Manapua Man

On the bustling streets of my island home,
Where vibrant cultures beautifully roam,
There stands a vendor, weathered and wise,
With a humble cart, a treasure in disguise.

Manapua Man, a legend you have become,
Your steaming delicacies, a claim to fame and your family name,
Your food a poetry in motion, your hands adept,
Crafting each masterpiece with love, well kept.

From dawn till dusk, your spirit unfazed,
Amidst the chaos, your passion ablaze,
Fragrant steam rising, a scented lure,
You captivate hearts, forever to endure.

Soft sticky clouds of dough, pillows for the soul,
Filled with savory char siu meats, treats untold,
A medley of flavors, dancing on the tongue,
Stories of your manapua, a song that's often sung.

With eager hands, we partake in your feast,
Treasuring each bite, a momentary release,
Whether brisk mornings after the beach or after school embrace,
You grace our lives, leaving an eternal trace.

For in your simple act of culinary art,
You weave magic, touching every heart,
Manapua Man, your humble cart bestowed,
A taste of love, in each warm morsel showed.

So let us celebrate this culinary soul,
Who reminds us that beauty lies in the whole,
For in the manapua's humble embrace,
Our taste buds, we shall forever taste.

Growing up in Hawaii in the 80s gave our family fond membories of the white vans with delicious foods, candy, and toys in our neighborhood. My most memorable one was a white van parked by St. Patricks School on Oahu. A lot of people who have never experienced these food vans and trucks seems highly suspicious of them when I have talked about them but they have a long and robust history on the island.