Wayfinders 1

Where
are the Wayfinders of old
steersmen for the waka
through these stormy seas
beset by colonial tides
and constant racist currents
a cultural tsunami
driving at all sides
never ending
year after year after
year
through the longest ever journey
of peril danger uncertainty
threatening with every dawn
and every nightfall
through all the days
and long dark nights
century after century after
century
assimilation integration obliteration

Where
are the star charts
guiding currents
gentle winds at the cheek
whispering direction
soothing encouragement
across te ara moana
broad clear sea path
to certain landfall

Where
are Paikea and Kuaka

Where
are the inheritors of
Kupe, Toi, Hoaki, Ruatea,
Ruawharo, Tupai, Te Rongo Putahi

Where
are the Wayfinders

© Ross Nepia Himona

poems