Noho iho rā

Grand dad, you were a man who would share and joke
The stories you told were like no other,
much like the ring you left to my mother.
At first glance it looks sheened and polished,
but when I look closer, I see the years of marks.
Marks of heart ache, fighting and resisting fate.
Not everyone saw what you and this ring went through,
but I know.
The Maori etchings are in the ring are deep
as they were in your soul.
You left New Zealand many years ago,
however a large part of your heart always stayed there
with your sisters and the ghosts of your mother and father.
Your spirit was adventurous.
You sailed the seas and travelled the world.
The journey ended in Australia, where you found a home and made a family,
yet you were haunted, by the mum you lost and the father with whom you couldn't connect.
You battled with the demons as long and best you could,
I hope you find piece now – forever.
Noho iho rā