An Ode to the Pacific Ocean – the largest and deepest ocean upon earth – and home to one of the most blessed, beautiful and bountiful oceans upon earth. In honour of Fiji Day, this poem is a tribute to all people across the Pacific whose livelihoods derive from the ocean blue. People who were born and bred beside the ocean and who have lived their lives true to the Ocean – Masters of time and tide and crafters of Island worlds they are.
The Pacific ocean holds a profound spiritual significance for the people. It is viewed as a source of creation and a home for souls to return – a symbol of life, destiny and departure.
In Polynesian culture, the ocean is viewed as a living entity that guides the spiritual and physical lives of the people; a channel for communication, that permits people to connect with ancestors, spirits and Gods. The waves of the ocean express the rhythm of life – exploring personal journeys and the cyclical nature of life.
Likewise, in Melanesian culture, the ocean is also a source of spiritual connection – a home where spirits and ancestors reside and a home for the people connected to the land and the community. The ocean is a significant part of Melanesian life and it is often associated with offerings that seek to maintain harmony with unseen ocean beings and other natural elements.
In Micronesian culture, the ocean is associated with navigation and protective forces. Micronesian navigators utilise Star charts, ocean swells and the flight of birds to travel vast distances without recourse to modern technologies. The people believe that they are guided by the knowledge and wisdom of the Gods and ancestral spirits. Sacred songs are written in ode to the ocean, that serve to symbolise the connection between the generations and the timeless rhythm of the ocean cycle.
“My gratitude is as boundless as the Pacific Ocean.” – Yann Martel.
Distance of the Ocean Blue
The poem was also inspired by a true tale of two friends. One resides in New York, United States of America and the other friend resides in the Pacific. Their friendship blossomed as penpals and soon they were true as friends could be. Alas, the friend residing in New York would retreat into a morose mood ever so often and reflect on the ‘distance’ between them created by the Ocean Blue. It was a challenge to convince her otherwise because words hold power and a repeated word/thought can manifest – not always for the better. In almost all of her correspondences, she would lament at the distance created by the Ocean Blue. Alas, one day, her words came true. Her friend in the Pacific gradually ceased contact and despite the efforts from New York to revive a failing friendship, to date, her efforts have come to no avail. Of course, this is not the conclusion of the chapter. Time and tide see beyond and bind those that are meant to be.
The ocean is alive
The ocean is listening
Just as people wish upon the stars above
The waters carry blessings far and wide
for no matter the distance
one’s wishes sail
the ocean waves
and tell the winds of love lost
until the day the tide turns truly
and unites hearts as they belong
Pacific Turtle
In honour of Fiji Day and the Ocean Blue of the Pacific, I draw the attention of the people to the Pacific turtle. To all those who have departed Fiji for various reasons or are not present in the country this weekend – to whichever land(s) you travel upon your journey – please remember the resilience of the Pacific turtle. They are the guardians of both the ocean and the people; embodying the spirit of the nations of the region. In Hawaiian culture, the turtle is a family guardian that keeps vigil over a family across generations. The Hawaiian petroglyph field (Kīlauea) is adorned with turtle carvings – a place where the Hawaiian people recorded births and deposited umbilical cords to maintain connections with their loved ones.
The Pacific turtle also represents:
• the journey of people on a voyage
• their connection to the ocean blue
• their ability to return after long periods of movement
No matter where you may be on your voyage today, may you forever be one with the Ocean Blue and always choose to return home, no matter the length of your absence:
‘Au na sota tale kei iko ena otioti.’
A Happy Fiji Day. May you radiate the light of the Bula spirit always.
Palau, in the exotic Pacific Ocean. Picture: www.britannica.com
Rita Nand
People enjoy the Manhattan skyline during sunset, from the Top of the Rock observation deck, at Rockefeller Center, in New York, U.S., June 28, 2022. Picture: REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo
