Wāhi tapu
It always happens –
The slowing of time as I walk towards you
& the noticing of kanuka & rimu
& pīwakawaka dancing at my right shoulder
& the words wāhi tapu
Written in yellow on the green DOC sign
‘Wāhi tapu’ means you are a sacred place
& subject to restrictions
‘Wāhi tapu’ will help –
& Greenpeace
Greenpeace is coming
& feisty young New Zealanders
& international eyes
All watching
This too will help
Waikoropupu
…………………………………..
‘Pīwakawaka;’ is the fantail
Written after a visit to Te Waikoropupu Springs
& the reading of a Greenpeace pamphlet in the Nelson Mail