Tree of Life

A poetic dedication to Rowan

I named you after the tree of life,

In Celtic lore    you     my sweet one are responsible for our existence.

That’s a lot of pressure I know, but there’s a spark in you. 

The same spark that has started burning brighter in me and

 in my sister…

That spark has ended for our grandmother 

one so bright that spread so far, 

     it still burns and burdens my mother…

But we are survivors, everlasting, transcending     conspiring 

 …tricksters 
                            to some, 

women

  doing everything to beat this ‘game’ 

that was forced upon us.

---

*Performed live at ILA /// IRA; An evening to engage with the powerful voices of Māori and African storytellers, spoken word poets and a special guest comedian, brought together by a creative who shares both whakapapa. This event aims to push boundaries and open eyes by showing that there is definitely more that unites us than divides us.

25 May 2024

Altiora

Te Whare Tapere