.....Today we can only surmise the meanings of ancient chants, piecing together historic remnants and researching the background of individuals and places named in the chants. Were 'iwa birds really dancing with Hi'iaka? Or were they handsome men? Is "water raging like a dog" simply an awkward comparison. Or is there more meaning than we are able to uncover? The Hawaiian poet was a master of words, and the Hawaiian language, with its infinite subtleties of expression, was a perfect vehicle for poetic creations. How glorious to realize that, with many interpretations and translations, readers may create their own poetic sense to satisfy their hearts.
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