Promise

Photo of the Rangitoto island in the distance and a small yacht in front of it, as seen from the shore.

The distant island

promise of greener grasses

voyaging in vain

Worship

Photo of Auckland’s One Tree Hill peak in the background and a grassy bush in the foreground, on a partly cloudy day.

Sways a blade of grass
worshipping the mountain peak;
the sun huffs, jealous.

Fenced

Photo of Rangitoto island as seen through some wire fence posts on One Tree Hill.

From behind fence posts
we engage with our nature
too scared to approach.

Purpose

Photo of the shadow of a person with a backpack, walking.

Stick figures walking,
seeking sun and green pastures—
a life in shadows.

Sides

Photo of a fern plant with vibrant green leaves, and one leaf flipped over and silvery white.

Stays hidden mostly,
another side of ourselves;
a gale hits, leaf flips.