Touchstone

Touchstone

Let’s pause, simply be; breathe in, and out; begin
The pilgrimage by placing hands on the pounamu touchstone

At the centre of the wharenui; which reminds us
Of the beauty, power and wisdom of indigenous Aotearoa

& especially speaks of Te Waikoropupū Springs
& how they are tapu; sacred, in ways we cannot yet recognise

& that’s ok; because we’re a simple, raggedy bag of pilgrims
From Aotearoa and beyond, lovingly held in the power of poetry

& surely aware, that challenges and invitations will come our way
As we navigate the downward track to the Living Waters

But right now, we’re doing a great job staying with breath
As our multitude of fingers feel into the touchstone

Brought here by Manawhenua ki Mohua, from the
Awa of the sacred Parapara maunga; and it’s natural, to forget

Some of this, but absolutely vital to grasp – This great stone
Lives; both beneath our fingers, and within our hearts

~

‘Wharenui:’ Maori meeting house at the beginning of the track down to Te Waikoropupū Springs, which contains a large pounamu touchstone.

 The poem imagines the beginning of a pilgrimage or contemplative walk to the Springs.