by Tarali Tarlzen Hibuya
Am not that offcut, halfcut or quartercut
I am proud Hela Product!
Because, I am my father’s son.
Am pure born and bred Hela!
In good, to celebrate with Hela!
In bad, to die with Hela!
Because, I am my father’s son!
You can mock and shame me.
You can stereotype and generalize me.
You can defame and demoralize me.
Because, I am my father’s son!
But you cannot remove Hela in me.
You cannot replace my blood with your water.
You cannot make me you.
I am I and You are You!
Because, I am my father’s son.
Hela is my homeland,
Where there is milk and honey!
I have my own house and my own garden!
I am from my clans, tribes and family.
I don’t hunt, gather or dwell in caves!
And I do defend with might.
Because I am my father’s son.
I am not your enemy but friend.
I have a human heart so I do love and grieve!
I have human hands so I share and care.
I have a soul so I am a human.
Because, I am my father’s son.
If you care me,
I care you as my friend.
But if you dare me,
I dare you as my enemy.
Because, I am my father’s son.
I don’t retreat and surrender,
I don’t give-up and give-in,
I don’t daunt and deter,
Neither do I seek mercy or reprimand
Because, I am my father’s son.
I do defend with anger and might.
Not with sorcery or witchcraft.
Not with demon or devil.
But with my own bows and arrows.
Because, I do believe there’s God!
I believe in father’s god Datagaliwabe
Because, I am my father’s son.
I am Hela not by choice,
But by divine birth,
And that’s my divine right
Because, I am my father’s son.
I am who I am.
I don’t dare!
I don’t care!
I am Hela!
Because, I am my father’s son!
My poem “I am my father’s son” captures Hela Huli pride in our patrilineal culture and society.
Many Papua New Guineans see Hela’s on our negative sides everywhere. Regardless of what they say, no one will take away Hela in us. Many people, in fear of discrimination, especially in High offices and schools, they do not stand out as Hela. They pretend to be from other places because they will be rejected in the community they dwell or enter. So, this poem is laid to ensure we Hela’s must shine out despite stereotypes.
Thank you once again to Betty Wakia and Ron Meshanko for publishing this in famous your website. Anyone who would like contribute in writing or other aspects about Hela Culture, feel free to contact them.
Tarzan, thanks for this beautiful piece. Am blessed