anai, when
by Craig Santos Perez

anai, when a child is born here, we plant a coconut tree

anai, when the coconut tree grows, it reaches towards the pacific sky

anai, when we pick the coconut leaves and fiber, we weave baskets, rope, and sails

anai, when the coconut tree blossoms, it feeds us and quenches our thirst

anai, when glaciers melt and sea levels rise, the salt water floods the coconut grove

anai, when a coconut tree drowns, does it make a sound

anai, when the coconuts fall into the water, where will the currents carry them

anai, when the land is submerged, where will we migrate to

anai, when our children are born far from home, where will we plant the coconut seeds 

anai, when will we live sustainably with i tåsi yan i tåno, the land and the sea

anai, when is too late 

anai, pa’go, when is now