A tribute to Master Mausio

in the tradewinds ‘n’ crossroads
of life, you navigated each
gush and intersection
with calm finesse,
in the noble profession you
rose and left a legacy
that your young ones
are truly blessed
in our community, home ‘n’ away
your footprints pave the way
in rhythmic sway at the
tautoga, the sua fekei,
the he’ak koua and
at every cultural display
at home, you oozed good husbandry
a dear hubby till blessed Vika
departed, then you persevered on:
a steadfast father, a chef, an all
rounder, a grandfather supreme
on the heaving deck
of the vaka, you
basked in God’s Grace,
on night watch, you
steered by the stars, and
marveled at the galaxy
on those epic voyages in Pasifika:
Aotearoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, Tahiti,
zig-zagging past each shoal,
each fringing reef
you
mumbled His prayers,
intoned His Glory and
as each ripping wave
shook the hull,
tested the sinnet knots
and crick-cricked the deck’s
hand-fashioned timber,
you made each
moment a celebration
of life
today you pulled up
your anchor with
integrity and no fuss
and tilled that rudder
Heavenwards; sail peaceful
dear brother into that
new sunrise
where the Angels beckon
you to God’s horizon
to crew His fleet
— hainoag se ‘e hanisi