Walk a mile

Kauri

I stand strong, nigh invincible,
intrinsic to this land,
but I have seen too many whānau fall;
I know that safety is an illusion.

My mokopuna have nestled round my base,
sheltered beneath my branches,
and stood shoulder to shoulder with me,
but few remain now.
I have outlived them all.

Kererū and tūī alight momentarily,
for a rest in their search for food,
and pīwakawaka flit and greet my visitors,
far below.

At night, this forest echoes with ruru's calls,
while hidden in damp detritus, kiwi, quieter,
pays his humble respects.
All Tāne's sons and daughters
entertain with their songs, acrobatic flights,
and social dramas played out as I watch.

I am old now, creaking with age,
and my roots ache with time's passage
and innumerable visitors,
but when Tāwhirimātea sends his storms
to rage from heaven above,
my need to protect is visceral and undeniable,
as strong as it was a thousand years ago.

This is my forest.
I am their father.
I am Tāne Mahuta.


Free verse. Written 23 September 2015.

Māori translations:
Whānau = family
Mokopuna = descendants
Kererū = native NZ wood pigeon
Tūī = a native NZ bird
Pīwakawaka = a native NZ bird also known as a fantail
Ruru = a native NZ owl, also known as a morepork
Kiwi = a native NZ flightless bird
Tāne = the Māori god of birds and forests
Tāwhirimātea = the Māori god of weather
Tāne Mahuta = Lord of the forest