A Letter to Witi Ihimaera

We’ve been together years now, you and I,

you saving my life when unruly surly youths

threatened to mince me. When all else failed

I knew I could rely on you

To grab them, glue them to their seats

And keep me safe.

First, your stories starring them

playing hockey wearing gumboots

playing tricks and falling in love

playing cards waiting for death

feeling, laughing, weeping

te whanau, te tangi, te aroha.

Your words and my choking voice

kept out chaos, allowed

the possibility of passing exams.

And now, much later, children from China, Korea, Taiwan and Singapore

Diligently listen and wonder at the whales

Crave recognition for Kahu and curse Koro

Until he comes to his senses

Yes, we’ve been together years now

And the magic still holds.