When we close our eyes
in mihi to the divine
it makes us feel our tūpuna
our whenua
that we all
take a breath
in thanks
we shall not hate
that we will, love
reach out
and support one another
in shared
karakia
— Robert Sullivan
(from Hopurangi Songcatcher: Poems from the Maramataka. Auckland University Press)
For this poem, apart from the spiritual blessing of karakia, and its power to heal, I was also thinking about the Palestinian doctor, Izzeldin Abuelaish and his book I Shall Not Hate. I had the privilege of meeting him during an Auckland Writers’ Festival. His message of reconciliation is powerful.
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