Yearning
by Pauline Tangiora
published in Watch her Colours Fly: Poetry about Peace and Freedom
Edited by Johanna Mary in association with The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
It’s as if I’d returned to Papatuanuku
centred here within the hills.
Quiet; still;
only the gentle waves of Tangaroa
slightly, gently breaking on the shore.
Stars seem to be —just out of reach!
Almost touchable
bright, alive, laughing, sparkling not quite but
almost at my
clasp.
Moonbeam strikes across Terakako illuminating the land
almost as it was in days past.
Alas
there is no more the Peace of Aroha, only
sadness at losing jobs
whanau
unity.
Alas — but no
we will rise up,
up to lead each other on.
I hear laughter and mokopuna at play.
The marae buzzes like a cicada in summer.
Families gather. Nothing is completely lost changed.
Maybe, just maybe
Togetherness will make us strong.