turangawaewae

this is the place where I stand
with its black sand and fierce surf
blood-red pohutukawa
burning under a blistering sun

the bush yellow with spring’s kowhai
and white fires of clematis
rain dripping from the tips of ponga
where tui sing the land’s song

this is the place that has brought me home
it is here that I have learnt to stand alone
and I would leave it in an instant
to be with you