Celebrating World Poetry Day in remembrance of the late Tongan Queen Sālote Mafile‘o Pilolevu Tupou III (13 March 1900 -16 December 1965). According to Wood-Ellen (1999), Queen Sālote’s reputation as a universally beloved monarch of her time has become an icon for many people of today, in particular, the Tongan people. She gave her people a strong sense of their identity and attributed her success as a ruler to hard work and a strong character, and observers referred to her intelligence, authority, and knowledge of her people. She is also a renowned Tongan Poet and song writer.
“The objective that is ever before me and which inspires all my thoughts is to unify and consolidate at this time the Kingdom of Tonga, that we may really achieve the reputation that is credited to us in the world outside: There is not in the world a little Kingdom like Tonga, peaceful, contented and happy.” Queen Sālote, 15 June 1937
Queen Sālote Mafile‘o Pilolevu Tupou III’s love for her consort Viliami Tungī Mailefihi had been expressed in joyous love songs during his lifetime (1 November 1887 — 20 July 1941). In celebrating 2012’s World Poetry Day, I am honoured to share this poetry piece and song written by Queen Sālote in the passing of her consort Viliami Tungī Mailefihi.
‘Oketi
1. Gone is that dear dawn
To which, as wings, clung my remembrances
Of the orchid, the bloom of the dew,
(Which I) Adorn till the end of time
2. This body has become a thing of no worth
Overcome by all-conquering love
For your image of precious stones
I will string them for my garland
3. The shade of evening beckons
To which I direct my lamentations
If the magnitude were only known
Of the love (I bear) for the bouquet of langakali
Chorus: Alas that this body, sweet enticement to gossip
Is only poison to your mission
Yet do you not see, Gladiola
This love of mine may never end. [MT]
In the Tongan language:
1. Si’i hengihengi e kuo ‘alu
Kapakau ai si’ete manatu
Ki he ‘oketi fisi e hahau
Tauleva ki he pa’anga ngalu
2. ‘Anga’anga ni kuo me’a noa
Ka falala he funga hau’alofa
Ki ho ‘imisi maka koloa
Tui fakaholo ko hoto kahoa
3. Ta’alo e malu ‘i he efiafi
Pea te hahanu launoa ki ai
Ke ‘iloa mai ‘ene tupulaki
‘A e ‘ofa he poukei langakali
Tau: Sino ni ‘a pe ka melie lau
Pea kona ai ki ha’o fekau
Ka neongo ia ‘e Kalatiola
Na’a kuo ta’engata ha’ata ni ‘ofa
Reference:
Wood-Ellen, E. (1999). Queen Sālote of Tonga: The Story of an Era 1900-1965. Auckland University Press.
Photo credit:
Creative Talanoa 
LOVE IT!
Thanks for visiting my blog Tina. God bless xox
Sis, this is an awesome post to celebrate World Poetry Day. I am proud of you and the great posts on this blog. Look at the number of visits since January 7th! This is your element and your humility continues to shine through and through. Don’t stop being YOU! Love from me & Bubba xx
Thank you lil’ sis for your love and support. It’s heartfelt and I truly appreciate it. It’s always great to have you visit my blog. 🙂
Love you & Bubba xox
Beautiful poems and thank you for sharing this bit of poetic history, Maryanne! xx
Hi Lauren,
Thank you for visiting my blog. I am glad that you appreciate this post.
God bless xox
absolutely love it! Wonderful way to celebrate World Poetry Day!! Awesome tribute!!
Hi Sis,
Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your visits on this blog.
‘Ofa atu xox
Beautiful share from Queen Salote. Her written poetry is timeless and classy just like her ability to still inspire the Kingdom after all these years. Beautiful post.
Hi Ralph,
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Queen Salote’s poems are beautifully crafted. She was an amazing woman.
God bless xox
What a lovely post! keep penning, my friend. Cheers.
Hi Shaheen,
Thank you for visiting my blog. I appreciate your comment.
God bless xox
Beautiful, thank you for posting. Thanks also for visiting my site 🙂
Aww thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. It is much appreciated. 🙂
Maryanne I am so glad I stumbled across your blog. This is exactly what I have been looking for…collections of poems and writings from a fellow Tongan and other gifted Polynesians. Being away from NZ I always crave anything ‘island’ and recently I have been looking for Tongan poems and writings and here I am…thank you for sharing!
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much taking the time to read through my blog. Your comment is truly appreciated. I hope that you continue to visit and share your thoughts on my different posts.
‘Ofa atu xox
Not sure where you live but here, National Poetry month begins April 1st. It’s a great thing to celebrate in the way that you have.
Hi Tammy,
Thank you for your comment, I appreciate it. Where do you live? Wow, April 1st is only around the corner. I was born and raised in New Zealand but I am of Tongan ethnicity. In New Zealand, our National Poetry day is celebrated on July 22nd. However, this post was to mark World Poetry day which is celebrated on March 21st of each year. This was first established in 1999 by UNESCO. I thought it would be a great idea to share poetry from the late Queen Salote given that she was born, raised and reigned in Tonga (the land of my family & ancestors). It is also good to hear from you. Thank you once again for stopping by. Enjoy the remainder of your week.
God bless xox