Me From Here
In the land of Aotearoa, where stories intertwine,
Where the waves caress the shores, and mountains proudly shine,
I raise my voice to honor those who came before,
As a descendant of Karitane, a Maori forevermore.
From the ancient mists of time, our ancestors arose,
Guided by the stars, their wisdom always shows,
In Karitane's embrace, they lived, they thrived,
And their spirits still dance, keeping our heritage alive.
In the sacred whispers of the wind, their voices softly speak,
Echoes of resilience, strength, and courage that we seek,
They stood upon these shores and signed a historic pact,
The Treaty of Waitangi, a promise never to retract.
With ink and heart, they forged a bond, a shared destiny,
Uniting cultures, weaving threads of harmony,
Their vision, though challenged, remains steadfast and true,
To preserve our Maori heritage, for me and for you.
Oh, Karitane, your beauty, your mana, I embrace,
In your rugged landscapes, I find my solace and grace,
From the rugged cliffs to the sandy beaches fair,
The spirit of my ancestors, I proudly bear.
Their names etched in history, their deeds never fade,
Through trials and triumphs, their legacy pervade,
With gratitude in my heart, I honor their sacrifice,
Their struggle, their hope, their infinite advice.
Karitane, a treasure trove of ancestral lore,
Where the past and the present merge to the core,
I stand here today, their proud descendant,
With love and respect, my heritage resplendent.
With each breath I draw, with every step I tread,,
I carry their spirit, their wisdom, as they once led,
From Karitane, I rise, embracing my soul,
A torchbearer of culture, to help make us whole.
So, let us celebrate, in song, in dance, in prayer,
The legacy of Karitane, a flame we all share,
For our ancestors who signed that fateful treaty,
We carry their torch, forever strong and mighty.
Copyright © Hoani Wihapi-Belmont | Year Posted 2023
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