Lion Rock

                                      Lion Rock   

                             

                              He settled here to guard this cove,
                              a niche in otherwise unyielding,
                              yet flung-up hills.
                              His feet are caressed and riven
                              by the salted tide.


                              I've seen him on wild days,
                              his haunches quivering,
                              steadying to strike.
                              The great mane thrashes,
                              surging about the bald crown,
                              pitted, scoured clean by time and tide.


                              Further down, straining Pohutukawas
                              move gnarled and scaly fingers,
                              sinuously gripping,
                              penetrating his basalt hide.


                              High above the old beast,
                              circling, undulating on unseen currents,
                              gulls slip, and slice the air;
                              cavorting, wheeling on boiling turbulence
                              thrown up by the regal,
                              ancient protector of this western shore.