Staff Note

Literature and art serve to represent the thoughts, feelings, and experiences that each and every one of us encounter at some point in life. Collecting pieces of literature and art and showcasing them in all of their raw, messy, beautiful glory is the goal of Kula Manu, Brigham Young University of Hawaii’s only Literary Journal. For the past 60 years, the students of Brigham Young University-Hawaii, along with the Lā’ie community, have submitted work to be published in Kula Manu.

As the staff of Kula Manu, we are honored to present the 61st edition of the journal. A journal that showcases the unique qualities only to be found in BYU-Hawaii’s 2023 student body through art, fiction, nonfiction, photography, and poetry.

During the creation of the 2023 edition, we have seen various pieces that artistically reflect the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the people who have been affected by BYU-Hawaii's unique qualities. The subjects of these pieces have ranged from sunny beach days to difficult and personal issues. We want to express our appreciation for every piece that was submitted. Without the honest and personal reflections of each submitter, Kula Manu would not reach the same great impact that it has throughout the years.

As you experience this year's edition, we hope you enjoy a dive into the ever-evolving world of art and literature and are able to feel the special spirit of the small, close-knit community that is Lā’ie. It is with great honor that we now present the creative work of students, faculty, alumni, and community members of Brigham Young University-Hawaii in the 2023 edition of Kula Manu.

Mahalo nui, The Kula Manu Staff of 2023

Table of Contents

Art

Happy Moment, Missing Moment by Ching Hsuan Lu, pg.8

Laniloa Beach at Late Afternoon by AryLue Jones, pg. 9

Laniloa Beach at Sunrise by AryLue Jones, pg. 10

Where Am I? by Ya Yun Lin, pg. 11

My Grandfather’s home in Taiwan- The Living room, The Kitchen, and The Bathroom by Zhi Yun Zhang, pg. 12

Short Fiction

Of Pork Hash and Winter Nights by Ysabelle Junio, pg.13

The Almost-Woman by Carly Stone, pg. 15

Boxes by Carly Stone, pg. 18

Tala at Buwan by Leonilyn Llona, pg. 20

Pearl by Joseph Brown, pg. 26

Becoming a Butterfly by Allyssa Alfoja, pg. 31

Creative Non-Fiction

A Hop at a Time by Aubree Whiting, pg. 36

Humpback Whale by Portia Thompson, pg. 38

A Letter to Dad by Wynne Adriel Logroño, pg. 41

Closer to Us by Autumn Barraclough, pg. 44

The Truth about Santa by Abigail Allen, pg. 46

Photography

Patience = Success by Xer OLegna Basulgan, pg. 53

Where Our Fathers Were by Raianne Sereene Baysa, pg. 54

Genealogy by Raianne Sereene Baysa, pg. 55

Patience = Success by Xer OLegna Basulgan, pg. 56

If You Could See Me Now by 태정임(Taejeong Yim), pg. 57

Master of the Flame by Zane Saenz, pg. 58

Quick Shade by Zane Saenz, pg. 59

Patience = Success by Xer OLegna Basulgan, pg. 60

I’m Glad There Is You by 태정임(Taejeong Yim), pg. 61

Shoreside Walk by Megan Bills, pg. 62

Laie Point Sunrise by Michael King, pg. 63

View From Above by Michael King, pg. 64

View From Above III by Michael King, pg. 65

Navigating the ‘Aina by Zane Saenz, pg. 66

Poetry

What is Beauty by Annie Haws, pg.67

Patchwork by Autumn Barraclough, pg. 68

Clarity by Sierra Allred, pg. 69

Orion's Belt by Madison Sudekum, pg. 70

Kismet by Aaron Bernard Corridor, pg. 71

Rising by Madison Sudekum, pg. 72

Mother Medusa by Sophia Hendrix, pg. 73

Listen Now by Annie Haws, pg. 74

Til You Forget by Gene Cymmer Ramirez, pg. 76

Rebuke from the God of Love by Joseph Brown, pg. 77

To Young Me by Aubree Whiting, pg. 78

13 Years by Brooke Lim, pg. 79

Burning by Manhattan Ethington, pg. 80

Won't by Autumn Barraclough, pg. 81

Waves by Caitlin Alder, pg. 83

Jinsei by Regina Shumway, pg. 84

Timeless Moments by Ching Hsuan Lu, pg. 85

Ugly by Annie Haws, pg. 87

Kula Manu Award Winners Pg. 88