Waiata Poems | Examples

The Trial

THE TRIAL
 With shackled hands and feet
 he steps clumsily
 into the dock.

 Pushed down into his seat
 he sits
 pale-faced,
 jug-eared,
 impassive,
 young,
 and gazes out
 at those who would accuse him.

 Listening to the people speak
of their anger,
 loss and grief,
 of the violence hurled
 one Christchurch day
 in the madness of a killing spree

 when Muslims came to share and pray
 in innocence and peace.
 No answers
 for the darkness
 of that savage day
 when racist hatred burned.

 The trial now over,
 the sentence made.
 The families brave
 in their resolve,
 step out into the sunshine
 of a Christchurch afternoon.

 Supporters gather round and cheer,
 greeting the families with their love,
 applause at justice done,
 a waiata sung.

 In unity a community
 can now move on,
 knowing that the time for love
 and healing has begun.


 ARINA FISH