Be the change you want to see in this world

"Winning starts in the mind. Whatever the mind can conceive, it will achieve."
-Joaquin Nangauta Naputi

"Be the change you want to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi

Saturday, November 01, 2008

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

No comments: