We’re told the goddess Pelehonuamea rules
The two volcanoes of Hawai‘i, Mauna Loa and Kilauea—
Behemoths of the ocean, born in a seismic bed
Of telluric elements. Here’s the great caldera formed

By Kilauea, multi-hued, multi-layered, mineral witness
To the eons. Ages ago, a young Kilauea, dreaming
Of light, awoke, shuddered, and shook off
His deep sea slumber. Muscled, he emerged, breaking

The shining surface, and discharged his molten magma,
Vaporizing tides, cooling, leaving rock and ash,
His island legacy. Moved, Pele somehow
Loved his fire, coals, his smouldering temper—women

Do. And Kilauea recognized her pull—her delicacy,
Tact, and loyalty. She reigns now, tempering
His awful powers by beneficence. Sacrifice,
Friends, sacrifice, to such dark spirits and their lucid loves.