Poetry Unbound BONUS: A Conversation with No’u Revilla
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Oct 15, 2021 No‘u Revilla, an ʻŌiwi queer poet and educator from Maui, shares her insights on poetry rooted in Hawaiian culture. She discusses the emotional journey of her poem 'Smoke Screen,' reflecting on themes of family, labor, and identity. The conversation dives into the complexities of Hawaiian spirituality and the impact of missionaries on the culture. Revilla also highlights Hawaii's rich literary tradition and her personal exploration of queerness, advocating for visibility and acceptance for young queer indigenous women.
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From Email to Podcast
- Noʻu Revilla and Pádraig Ó Tuama's email exchange became so rich they decided to record a podcast episode.
- Their correspondence explored poetry, language, culture, and history's complex presence in Revilla's work.
A Hardworking Father
- Revilla's poem "Smoke Screen" is dedicated to her hardworking father, a welder at HC&S.
- The poem acknowledges his dedication while critiquing the exploitative sugar industry in Hawaii.
Maui Snow
- The burning of sugarcane fields produced ash that locals called "Maui snow."
- Revilla reflects on the bittersweet memory of childhood delight in this destructive practice.