Ripples of cascading, flowing white light
shimmer and sparkle across the carpeted floor
as we sit and are welcomed into the whare
Te Puna i te Ao Marama
The Fountain of Light is the name of this House
apon the lands itself which bear the same name
and dutifully named by the ancestor Kupe
in a beautiful area called the Hokianga
But as the speeches continue and song fills the rafters
and Dame Whina's picture hangs on the wall
the floor of the House is shimmering at me
as though the afternoon Sun sits alongside me
Curiously I look all about me
hoping that others can see what's before me
but alas - they do not, and continue to listen
as the tangata whenua continue to talk
With my bare feet and whilst no-one is noticing
I wiggle - really slowly, some of my toes
and see one pass through this mysterious layer
like a whale or dolphin through the crest of a wave
I am conscious of others, now wary of me
where my wee antics are attracting attention
so slowly, I smile and offer my gratitude
to these beautiful waters who have made themselves known
I reach down, and gently - I now stroke the floor
as though I'm admiring the shag of the carpet
and feel my own heart fill with peace and with beauty
as I gain my composure, and listen to speeches
