Red Dirt

Haleiwa church next to empty field with patches of red dirt

In Hawaii most residents have adopted the Asian custom of taking off one's footwear when entering homes. However, back in the day, that custom didn't help much with keeping out the red dirt, especially if one had kids who played outside for hours.

Red dirt--iron oxide from eroded lava rock--is found all over Oahu. Dry, it gets in the pores. Damp, it cakes between the toes. Either way, it requires lots of scrubbing to remove from feet, furniture, and floors.

"...and the Red Dirt held illimitable dominion over all" (with apologies to Edgar Allan Poe)