8pm. Poem 18

Fireghosts

They will stay.
Their smoke will scent
freshly painted buildings
their footprints will sink
into the sand
where no one else has been
their sighs will sing out at sunset.

They will gather under her.
They gather there now
under and on her.
They will tell the story
of fire and destruction
to reef fish and minah birds
who have yet to be born
and to tourists
who will soon return.

Their voices will be everywhere
unmistakable and clear.
They will be woven
into the kapa
of new Lahainatown.