In memory of Queen Lili‘uokalani I declare this is not a true victory When back in the year of 1893 The United States overthrew her monarchy
Despite the wrongness of things done She did not choose the white man's guns But instead, seeing the sins of man She chose to forgive as a true heart can
This is the cleansing way, and it is clearer That independence is more significant and dearer Most see these islands as a tourist destination But freedom does not depend on a person's station
This is a notion that has not lost its charm this day The struggle for a free Hawai'i will not go away A valid case can be made for constitutional sovereignty And for the leadership that has true, factual authority
The voices of the people speak not of militancy But as with the voices of God and with quiet dignity God keeps His promises and restores rightful homes Dennis Kanahele and his people do not walk this alone
The Aboriginal nation never legally ceased to exist As a native community, it still manages to persist Kānaka Maoli were not granted a single reservation But make no mistake, they are a people and a nation
It has been a path in America's troubled journey President McKinley decided that Manifest Destiny Super-ceded the Hawaiian people's self-determination Undermining Kanaka Maoli for the good of the nation
This is a story not just about freedom but about being alive And the will of a Native people to do more than survive If only federal recognition could become legislation Hawaiian people would become the largest tribe in the nation
This, then, would give a path forward in this hour If these native people are to ever gain any real power The people need homes and cannot live in an apology This is a battle for hope fought by a people living in poverty
(c) December 13, 2024 Michael Doyle All Rights Reserved
My impulsive thoughts intrude Even as I raise my hands in gratitude Arms wide open, I look above In my experience of God's love
I sing hallelujah in my loudest voice Lifting up my songs, I picked through my choices Knowing all that you've given humanity I give my love in my fullest humility
You have always and still do all I surrender and answer to your call It's you, not me that provides all As I look up at your star-fall
Singing hallelujah for all my days I thank you, Jesus, with my praises Lost in your heavenly embrace I can find my soul through your grace
(c) December 12, 2024 Michael Doyle All Rights Reserved
Why don't you come inside? There's nothing we need to hide Besides, it's cold outside And I have something to confide
There's something that feels right In my darkness, you might be the light There's something about the way You make me feel better than okay
It's only been a moment since we met Something tells me I will never forget You understand me in a way I don't get Your kind of love, I will never regret
In this world filled with coal You've got a heart full of soul Lakeside visions of dreams come true I think I'll find them in you
I'm looking for a Christmas miracle in you To be enjoyed only by we two With a smile on my face, I turn the page To a place where our love turns center stage
It's only been a moment since we met Something tells me I will never forget You understand me in a way that I don't get Your kind of love, I will never regret
(c) December 11, 2024 Michael Doyle All Rights Reserved
“The great principles of right and wrong are legible to every reader; to pursue them requires not the aid of many counselors. The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest.” – Thomas Jefferson (1775)
She looked at me With the eyes of an angel I was worried there'd be Some kind of angle
I put my guard up She dropped it with a smile Before I knew what was up There could be no denial
I knew I'd be her man From there to eternity I knew I'd do whatever I can Throughout our life's journey
Subtle habits of curiosity Asked in questions lingering on Whispered tones of sensuality That will never be gone
She looked in life's window In a little do-it-yourself innuendo Something as simple as hello Gave a deep look inside her soul
The things in common built a bond I felt nobility in her quiet grace It was an instance of touch that went beyond The smile we put on each other's face
Each wished the other well Feeling something special in the air Both of us knew there'd be more to this tale Our hearts tugged forward like a velvet snare
(c) December 10, 2024 Michael Doyle All Rights Reserved
Heading out of Australia to escape this Aussie winter. First stop Japan, then UK/Ireland and if work doesn't call me back, onto Chicago. I will make it up as I go along
ALOHA PROMISES FOREVER 