Tracks Don’t Always Lead Home
Across the ocean in the vast space of the Atlantic lay the next adventure, planned for long but happened so quickly. An island many know and the same love to call home, even when it is covered in foreign souls. The great Island of Oahu imbedded in the life of Hawaii, changed much by the many years of visit after visit.
Many years ago, as old as one of my age can claim, my feet settled upon the ground of this beautiful place. Young and full of energy, but dense as the coconut that grows on its native trees, I did not truly appreciate the grandeur and opportunity I had of going here. Interested in the colored screen of a birthday present as I raced imaginary go carts around, my only memory is of a tour guide grasping my attention exclaiming “Boy, you know what we have for them game boys around here!? Come here!” I stepped off the bus bringing us through the filming spot of “Jurassic” proportions, near the fence of a flower field, to watch as the tour guides finger poked at a plant for it to quickly grasp shut, not unlike a fly trap, but nay beautiful like a Lily.
Many years have passed since them, and though I did not call this place my home, I was back to explore this time what the real world had to offer. Growing up with such fantasies readily available at my finger tips in truth deprived me of the eyes to see the splendor of the one I lived. Only after a grandiose ordeal of rings and family was I to have an excuse to come back to this majestic place.
But alas, why do I not find it?
Cities and sky scrappers, cars racing through the streets, jam packed worse than the interstates of cross Florida travels. Even a frequent local in friendly jubilation of hellos said with a sad look in his eye, “The reefs no longer speak the colors they once had.”
A stretch of mind and money was required to visit here, I must find some place that is untouched, unabated from the monotony of unobservant fools only interested in themselves and not those that follow after. A muse that could sing to my soul with sights that could last forever.
A frequent tourist spot may do.
In all hopes of simply experiencing what this Island had we climbed a mountain called Diamond Head. A journey, a quarrel, a reunion of hearts, and a finished climb, such a great way to continue this celebration of love. With the sarcasm of confused hearts thrust into new places aside, a couple came to light the way. Two hikers, experienced by look, sweating but smiling with big glee. They mentioned another place one could visit, a little less known and even harder to reach for only train tracks near vertical could support your legs up to the top.
As we rushed over to this place, Koko Head, beating the islands mid day rain, the clouds looming in the sky did more than I gave them credit. For it was only when we reached the base I saw a mathematical incline equation, ever progressing more vertical by the second till the train tracks pierced the cloudy sky, no tip in sight. This had to be the place I looked for desperately.
Deep breath, we climbed. A foot slipping, we climbed. Breath escaping, we climbed. Afraid to look back, we climbed. Balance evading, we climbed. Higher and higher until we reached the clouds.
On hands and knees we break through the soft white, the jutting rock a little less flat than expected. Topped with relics of a time past when the world was at war with itself and supplies needed to be passed over mountainous troubles. A solitary landing pad, a closed off tunnel, signs of rudimentary electricity. A little journey for the historian inside me.
As we walked to the other edge of the mountain, I did not think much of any cliffs, until I sat down on an edge side and clouds split.
So far, so far of a fall, how could my heart stay still. A piece of my heart sitting next to me, asking for safety despite the complaints. We sat and we looked out upon the vast green of this land. Sunlight piercing clouds to illuminate the sea and land, unified in perfect harmony in a blazing symphony of sight. Farms, trees, homes, and coves.
I sat in this moment, breathing deeply. Watched as others climbed from many directions, hoping to reach the top. I wished them good luck and good luck to this land. If only I could give back for what this place has given me, but alas it will take a life time.
For mother nature has given me a life worth living. On this big place I call home.