For Nell Lester,
Feb. 5, 1930–Dec. 3, 2023

and for Sue Lester,
best daughter
•••

A hui hou—
until we meet again—
people say in Hawaii,

perhaps with a kiss on
the cheek
when they part—

a hui hou
at the end of a life,
as the mourning dove

lands on a tiki
named Pau Hana
(work is done),

as we say to you,
mahalo nui loa
for your many

kindnesses,
aloha oe,
one fond embrace

until we meet again.