88. Fountain of Light

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

70. The God of War

Huge chains hang from trees outside my own window
as though something monsterous is unleashed to the World
A big shadow moves, touches, envelopes me
a giant of a man with the face of an Uncle

Fear dissipates, and love comes to my heart
as he holds me, comforts me, surrounds and protects me
and all of a sudden, I'm on the marae atea
surrounded by Titans from beyond our own World

The words from my mouth now punch and accentuate
to cast off and put down, all these monsters I see
The power of words both forceful and loud
now dance on the ears and the hearts of these Lords

Tumatauenga, the Atua of War
stands behind me and moves me, just like a puppet
My head tilts in derision, my arms wrap the World
while I squat, twist, and jump - beguiling the crowd

And to the back of the whare do I now serve the kai
baked potatoes and sour cream and pizzas with cheese
New lessons I've learnt about things such as pōwhiri
the true nature of man; the fighter - provider...