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Open Poetry #36
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Winding Down the Wanganui
| Open Poetry #36 |
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Winding Down the Wanganui |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia 
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G'day folks. I've just posted an announcement about Marsha and figured while I'm here...I'd bore you all with a long poem written after my holiday to New Zealand. Here on the river road I take a slice of life, a slice of air all of my cares I shed and shake my thirst for pain, and life remake; as I see hope without a care At first there's rain, a mist, a veil with gradients of glowing green; to show there's life through all travail, some things that will not dim or pale, despite the heartache in between Down low are cows of white and black, walking out from milking sheds; pearls on a string with luster lack they're heading out and won't look back, while farmers can't return to beds The river people smile and wave reminders of an easier time; they hold the peace of mind I crave. The pleasured path of tourist rave waves from above, all done in mime I see a home, a kismet kind with rusted car parts all around through poverty, it seems, I find old cars that die in road unwind are left to moulder on the ground; their rusted bodies now a sign, that things were better once before. The battered shack and cars align, with Norfolks standing in a line, to show that beauty knows the score I see a mission station cross where nuns are gardening in the rain, not shining out with gold or dross but glowing in the wake of loss where love unfettered will remain. I feel the pain of customs lost and think about their family ties I wonder if they feel the cost as to deep currents they are tossed when fed a pack of mission lies I see the carvings on their Pa and know their sacred, through Maraes I feel the times they traveled far to wind up in the place they are and stand with passion in their eyes I see the river far below a winding ribbon, silver slip while we rise up, the clouds hang low I know we have some way to go as we continue on this trip. My mood has lifted and I see a world renewed, without my hurt, and I forget my family, the arguments still haunting me as I commune with river dirt I see the clouds full, clear and pure a virgin snowfield in the sky, a wondrous sight in its allure the grey seceding to azure as thoughts and eyes are lifted high. I see the letterbox, canoe reminding me to stay in touch for pain is something old and new and nothing else can make life true but dreams are formed from care of such I see the hamlets with two names Atene, Athens leads the way a history, the white man tames for culture dies while white man blames though most survive, the Maoris pay. I see the people of the land; a gentle people, caring crowd I feel their love from God’s own hand as gladly they all take a stand to work the soil and look up, proud. When talking to the river folk I hear the words "it's all good eh!" we share a smile and share a joke while I inhale the morning smoke and glory in the warming day I see the produce of the rich the fenced off pastures long and green the well kept fences, well drained ditch I see their farms run with no hitch while other souls walk in between. I see the mountain slide away in slips and folds that tumble down, the face of rock that looks likes clay, the barriers holding harm at bay while men who work there, wear a frown. I stood before James Baxter's grave and wondered how he made his name a Paheka Maori, who could save and then in alcoholic crave deny his mainstream claim to fame. I saw the bridge that leads nowhere a place of promise and of hope, where men had farmed in wish somewhere, that this was land they all could share where sheep grazed pastures tied with rope. From mountains high and valleys deep I see the river in full flow. The Wanganui soft in sleep can rise up high to secrets keep and lead the way through ice and snow The path back home is different too as we take trampers back to town; they talk about new things to do, when next they tramp the valley through relaxing, as the trip winds down. back to base camp I'm feeling good my soul refreshed, my heart renewed I've seen the land where poets stood and heard about the brotherhood then found a peace from pain accrued. Back to real life, I have the grace to face the toils of work each day I traveled at the river's pace I felt the sun upon my face and learned the river knows the way. I'll take the river road again when next my heart feels old and sore I'll let it wash away my pain till only joy and peace remain I'll fill my ears with river’s roar. And then the petty hurts and trials will wash away, in river's flow then I won't need those pills and vials or feel the discontent of miles. Remember just the river's glow. · Paheka is white · Marae is sacred meeting place · Pa is ceremonial hut, like a church. Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind. Unknown [This message has been edited by Kethry (10-26-2005 08:11 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2005 Lynne Dale - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
Wow. I wish I could see that. It sounds lovely and grand and everything. But here, I can see the sky, and that's enough. Glad you had a good trip, girl. Nan (Pilgrim variety) |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
Not a boring poem at all but a delightful and true portrait of a beautiful country. I too have been guided to see the bridge that leads nowhere and the mountains, clouds, etc. Well done on this poetic travelogue. |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
KethryLove~ I'm reveling in the poignant beauty of this piece~ 'I see the mountain slide away in slips and folds that tumble down, the face of rock that looks likes clay, the barriers holding harm at bay' No matter WHAT brought you here ... please come again really soon~ I miss your smiling face~  *Huglets*  ~*Marge*~ ~*No matter what I search for ... |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
You lied, my friend. *S* I kept waiting to be bored... it didn't happen. *G* Thank you for taking us with you! |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
you bring so much unknown to life for me~~ always a joy to read your words~~ Hope all is well..I sure wish we Americans could travel to far off lands but we would never have the time to enjoy the many splendors that exist. M |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass |
I'm not a fan of long poetry, because with limited time, I have to limit what I read...but this...so very worth the reading. Coming from you I knew it would be, of course, and I'm glad I dropped in. The quiet, peaceful tone you carry in this from beginning to end, is almost magical. ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº> ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº> |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Oh how i've missed your poetry Lynne, sighh this i have to say is one of your best...it flowed beautifully, perhaps just like the Wanganui. Sigh...one day i shall visit, though i don't think i could ever describe it as beautifully as you have.  Public Holiday Tuesday eh, going to the races? Maree ~i want for myself your trembling~ |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Kethry A wonderful poem...lyric and gentle...like a vacation along a river. |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Nice...James |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
"At first there's rain, a mist, a veil with gradients of glowing green; to show there's life through all travail, some things that will not dim or pale, despite the heartache in between" Kethry.....I pulled out this verse in the beginning because I thought it so outstanding....but, as I read further, I wanted to pull more and more. A great poem, this. I feel like I have just seen that beautiful country. I have friends that live there and someday I hope to visit. Sounds like an absolutely wonderful vacation you had....a real rejuvenation! .....jo |
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time prophet Member
since 2003-07-30
Posts 371In New Zealand Amongst the Ancient Trees |
If I'd known you were coming I'd have baked a cake. Well, maybe not a cake, but a welcome at least. If you may be back this way be sure to say. Great piece of the country you went through, can understand the inspiration. |
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