Stories From Kiribati

Men sang with cutting knives

High on tops of coconut trees

Sweat falling like raindrops

Early in the morning

Like waves rolling in and out.

Women lit fire with handful

Of merry and caring

Boiled toddy to make 'kateete' and 'kaboreere'

Weaving mats under a pandanus hut

When the lamp gives enough

Light before the new day born.

Children collected firewoods

As others pulled out 'bero' fruits

For dinner with barbecue fish

Out on the reef everyone laughed

Catching octopus , eel and

Pretty shells for mother

To decorate her weaving hat

For money

To support my education and living.

(Written by: Mrs Karibwannang - School Teacher)