James K. Baxter
 
 

Maori imbued pakeha,
Torch tongued sufi,
You threw your arms around me
In the streets of Wanganui,
Unveiling this hidden darkness.

Katipo competitor,
Compelling in friendship,
You gave cold loot no ceremony
Decrying the social enmity.

Pig island son of New Zealand
From raw word decants such aroha
Even in apartheid Australia,

Wahi Ngaro.

1998