ever present
always changing
she heaves the damp cloak
of night around her curves and crevices
her shadow fading across the valley
her breath mists up to meet the clouds
waiting for the moon to beam
from behind them
settling for the long night shift
teaming with life beneath
and within her mass
she welcomes the rain
filling her river
feeding her thirsty forest
overflowing into her dams
cascading down her falls
she will change with the dawn
and the cacophony of birdsong
the unique sound of kokako
and trumpets of the Tui
her many shades of green
will be on display
as the sun reflects off the leaves
all shapes and sizes and
silver bellies of ferns in her bosom
her tracks get tramped
her peace treasured
she is rugged
she is beautiful
she is magnificent
she is Te Ngāherehere ō Kohukohunui
she is home
Wendy Bremner
