by Alden Hardee

Created on: June 09, 2009

Humuhumu Nukunuku Apoa'a


Fish always laugh,
I always get grief,
Because I have the longest name
In Swimmyfish Reef.

I would change my name
If I were granted one wish,
Cuz Humuhumu Nukunuku Apoa'a
Is no name for a fish.

When the teacher calls role,
It never fails,
I hear snickers from everyone,
Even Mr. Snails.

I must find a way
To get even, get back.
I need a clever, cold-blooded
Plan of attack.

So I asked my grandpa
What I should do,
And he whispered a secret
No young school fish would think to be true.

The next day I lead my schoolmates
To the "secret place just over here,"
They will never learn of my intentions
Or that I had led them to the City Pier.

I told them of free snacks dangling
From invisible strings,
And watched as each one of them
Flew up to the surface on sad, reluctant wings.

Pretty soon, no one was left
But me and my triumphant name.
The rest of my days, nobody laughed,
Nothing was ever the same.

Now, if someone asks my name
I draw a breath and say...
Humuhumu Nukunuku Apoa'a,
Cuz it's a fine name anyway.

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