Lahaina

Last week, I had the privilege of marrying two of my best friends on the coast of Maui just south of Lahaina. I stayed in Lahaina and had several (very-much-needed) life-altering coming-to-terms-with- moments. (forgive the attack of hyphens)

The night before the ceremony, I sat in this amazing tree that takes up the whole town block. They call it the Banyan Tree, it was planted there ages ago and re-rooted all over as though it was always meant to be there, respected in that way. It had me thinking. I didn't realize I wasn't supposed to, but I climbed up one side and found a cozy knook to write out the ceremony. Later that night, I faced something. It was fun and frivolous and spontaneous and un-regrettable.

After the ceremony, "Anthem" came on (Leonard Cohen) RIGHT at the moment where I had the most miraculous view and I heard the Universe calling to me, saying, "Matt, get the hell off of that bike and listen to me for a minute." So I did. Dismounted, climbed down on a rock by the wake of the Pacific and stared hard and deep at the moon for the duration of that song. Know what she said?

"Every time there's a change in the physical world, an emotional change happens." When you take all bias out of this statement, do not assume 'change' as bad or negative; only logically. I learned something new, I felt like I reached a very very very slightly higher state of consciousness.

LYRICS:
(ps: the Hawaiian lyrics were the blessing performed over the rings which loosely translate to, "May peace and calmness from above rest upon you now and forever.")

Here in the arms of the Banyan Tree, I'm re-rooting myself to the soil I see
All this time that I tilled to the skin, I broke through to my center, I'm not broken within
Just a sprain—just enough of a pinch to begin.
In Lahaina, the headphones and bike drown out singular errors and plural alike,
Writing out what I wanted to say, I delivered my truth in a pontific way,
I imagined at once what the moon and her light had to say.

Ei-Ah Eha-No. Ka Malohia...

Maybe, brother, it's treason to think that the wound you inflicted could mend in a blink
There's a place between swollen and healed where you can't help but scratching until it's revealed
just how far down beneath you - the injury sealed.
So I got you alone in a text, we were hot for the potion and thirsty for sex
But that remedy falls on the sand like the seed of my emptiness churned by the hand
I still love you, but I no longer heed your command.

And I, endoscopic, entreat anyone
To come gaze in my crystal and visit my gun
I believe in the pistol, I'm shot and I'm won to myself.
So I, indivisible, solid and grounded
Gain leverage to Pharoh the kingdom I founded
No need for applause, I'm a cause better heard never sounded .

I had my drama and tragedy face, I conspired against me—it's funny the pace (that we)
quicken to when we've been shown who we are, we affect one another like the beams in a star
If we fall we burn brightly and fast but we burn 'til we scar.
There is a love that inspires us all when we finally get it we seldom recall
Ever having been out of its reach, if we learn how to touch it, then we learn how to teach
It, we learn to uncover the treasure we have in us each.

And I, innovative—a striking young lad,
Convalesce in emotion, but cleverly clad
In disguise as a player whose harmony hasn't been had.
Yet my indestructible malignant peace
Always seems to devour with pleasure and ease
'Til it swivels its forceps and marks me to pierce what I please.¬¬

Ei-Ah Eha-No. Ka Malohia Oh-Na-Lani...

So I ventured away from a storm: yeah, your porches are cold but your bar's always warm
And the garden is splendid in form but I went in it barefoot, my foot found a thorn
Now I caution myself when venturing into your porn.
Guess I needed to carry that weight over several time zones on personal freight
Took you far as I wanted to go, I remember it well, I remember it so
I'll remember the moment I finally told you to go.

And I, incongruent and far from your tide
Tear asunder the verdict that echoed my pride
All is well on the round trip, I eagerly wait for my ride.
Yeah, I am devoted committed and scared
Underappreciated, but fully prepared
To be all that I protest, and more than you ever compared.

Ei-Ah Eha-No. Ka Malohia Oh-Na-Lani. Mea A-Ku A-Pau.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• matthew
• woolfrey
• matt
• lahaina
• maui
• banyan
• tree
• gay
• philadelphia
• independent
• unsigned
• singer
• songwriter

[ohioqueer]

Wow. <3

[PianoGrant]

Thx for the HI lyrics. I lived on the Big Island in the 80s and it brought me back to those times...something about the poetry in their culture frees.

[mywyldhrt]

Its that nutty lesbian from FB (donna). Love the story-and how you show it and tell it-I'm hooked.

[annie46664]

My dearest, most loving & humble, so deservedly PROUDLY GAY friend ~ I just dedicated this AMAZING Heavenly sent wisdom aka song, to President Obama & Michelle ~ in absolute GRATITUDE for THEIR bravery to finally bypass those who have continued to rule with their evil ... EVERYTHING IS CHANGING FOR THE BEST!

It's time to celebrate ~ time to ONLY behold & share the LIGHT (love).

I LOVE YOU so much brother afar!

THANK YOU for simply being YOU! :)

~@nnie~ Durban ~ South Africa ~ VO ~ 2012 ~

[ThroughMyEyes100]

AWESOME!!!

[69redmt]

Wonderful.

[HippyFreakPeace]

Another amazing song!

[WillowDove40]

Beautiful!!! Thank you! I love you!!

[ImJustGaying]

Looking good and sounding great :)

[TravelWithMusic]

Wow Matt...very beautiful! Faved! God bless you, Heidi