MAUI’S FISH
Back—one is fallen already, since where are our fish?
And, drown’d—alas, he would drown us!”
So, like men out at sea without paddles, they toss in a torment.
Till Maui had pity upon them again, and he said,
“Lo, in your confusion but now, how the waves were splashed over!
Keep me—to bale the canoe.”
Then speechless they sat, looking one at the rest,
Till one hopefully said,
“Well, he cannot do much with a baler!”
So then, o’er the bright lips of Ocean, up-bursting with laughter,
These Brothers went cautiously steering and paddling,
While Maui (a shell was his baler),
Baled out the canoe.
Now, pay attention! Behold,
Every shellful he baled from the boat, lo it was but a shellful,
Till, throwing it over, he stretch’d it—no longer mere shellfuls,
Murmuring [1]karakias, secretly chanting enchantments,
Seas! he threw seas overboard.
The water spread....spread...., the land faded, faded....and faded....
“Hold! Stop!” cried the Brothers. “Where are we?
Far, far past our fishing-ground! Put back, and quickly!” they cry.
“Ah, not yet!” Maui pleads, “O my Brothers, a little way further!
- ↑ Karakia (kah-ráh-kee-ah): An incantation.
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