This poem was inspired by hearing a kaumātua (respected elder) speak during a work event recently. I was enthralled by the power, passion, aroha (love) and wisdom in her words. And as I listened to this kuia (female elder) I thought about my own grandmother and gifts she gave to the world.
Kuia
Skin pulled tight over tired bones
Words formed as whisps of breath
Forced out into a world
that needs to hear
The wisdom of history lived
And history seen before
the cataracts formed
And the body became frail.
Each word is a gift
Meant to lift
Each breath a fight
To try to set things right
that which is still wrong.
Skin pulled tight over tired bones
Still standing after
All the others have gone
Words formed as whisps of breath
Having welcomed the morning light
And now drawing in, that final cloak of night.
Angele Toomey Poetry 