You Got The Job

she strips down to short and bare feet
to feel the waves crashing against her skin
her vae tanned from the fagu’u samoa
her bestie coated her in on the weekend
while sitting by the pool in the scorching sun
melting like a candle
zipping frozen vai kipolo and enjoying masipopo
she has not been the same thing
a week in the unknown
a fish out of water in the land
of milk and honey

but the smell of sand, so earthy and warm,
brings back memories of hot days at home,
giggles in her grandfather’s backyard
eating juicy mago susu, fresh esi, creamy avoka, aromatic apiu
the sunlight wrapping around the family like
a cheerful embrace, the waves reminding her of
mama’s radiant laughter, ringing deep
when she receives a paycheck from her golden child
the clear blue-sky floods with sweet memories
of a Saturday early morning visit
to her grandparents’ handmade
cultural-gifts stall at Savalalo market
the air thick with the scent of fresh frangipani

makes her stomach twist into knots
for the rich, flavour of authentic pe’epe’e and ulu kugu
and she fantasizes listening to her papa strumming
a few chords on the ukulele, singing off key
Sooomewheere oover the rainbooow...
the wind whispers secrets
of sneak outs in the middle of the night
crashing parties with Queen, too much booze,
her bestie and asking each other again and again
O seki aku le ulu o le keige? Is my makeup still intact? Aumai le lipiiistickkk
and coming home to mama’s pikaukau
E fefe e, i lou pa’umumuku…kosolalau
she chokes back the tears that spring up
unbidden to her eyes

but the feel of sand as soft as a pillow
brings some comfort, the light breeze
as refreshing as cold water,
reminds of who she was
and who she is now
and how life is akin to a journey, where
every moment shines like a star
and suddenly, papa and mama’s final words call to her loud across the sea
spread your wings and fly ma ia manatua mai lou aiga pe a e manuia
she jumps

as she feels the heavy hand of her friend on her shoulder,
pulling her from the memories
hey sis, it’s the boss on the phone, you got the job

Written by Montana Tiatia-Sefilino