Rena May Hough

E RURU

New Zealand Morepork (Ruru)E Ruru,
of superior night vision,
Do you see them at night,
those whose blood was shed?

E Ruru,
of silent swift flight
Do they now rest,
those whose bones were crushed?

E Ruru,
with impeccable hearing
Do their spirits sing,
those who were slain?

E Ruru
with night time voice
Do the people still wear
white feathers in their hair?

E Ruru,
Messenger of Maori
Are you still there,
in Taranaki?