Image source: http://www.guampedia.com/Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #41 titled Taotaomo’na and Duhendes. Enjoy!
The Taotaomo’na and Duhendes
Our elders have always told us to be careful
Especially to stay indoors when it’s late at night.
They remind us to ask permission
Whenever we do step on ancestry land
So that we do not get punished from the taotaomo’na*
They say that big eyes will watch you
Or you might get pinched.
And you may even begin to feel haunting shadows
That follow you around
Fearing you with a creepy sound.
They say you can feel little eyes
Who may be watching you from behind a bush
And low-toned voices from the duhendes*
So be careful if you’re at the boonies, especially at night
Or the taotaomo’na and duhendes may frighten you!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao
*taotaomo’na: ghost; people of before
*duhendes: goblin, elf, ghost in the form of a dwarf
Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao
The Taotaomo’na and Duhendes
Our elders have always told us to be careful
Especially to stay indoors when it’s late at night.
They remind us to ask permission
Whenever we do step on ancestry land
So that we do not get punished from the taotaomo’na*
They say that big eyes will watch you
Or you might get pinched.
And you may even begin to feel haunting shadows
That follow you around
Fearing you with a creepy sound.
They say you can feel little eyes
Who may be watching you from behind a bush
And low-toned voices from the duhendes*
So be careful if you’re at the boonies, especially at night
Or the taotaomo’na and duhendes may frighten you!
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao
*taotaomo’na: ghost; people of before
*duhendes: goblin, elf, ghost in the form of a dwarf
Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao
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