Wāhi tapu

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