The Black Blood of Rena by Tommy Kapai Wilson (18 October 2011)

SummaryThis poem by Tommy Kapai Wilson expresses his thoughts about the Rena Disaster (2011). Main Body

Whinges moan as the crippled ship groans

Experts expertly tell us what they don’t really know

Helicopters hover above her, Motiti curses her, salvours try to save her

Blood transfusion adds to the confusion of why the hell it hasn’t happened yesterday.

Inconvenient truth talkers point the boom of blame at the bureaucrats

Catherine Taylor talks

5000 volunteers walk

And the black blood of Rena waits and watches the weather.

Less hui more dooey angry artists paint

Confused tamariki ask why, lifelong beach walkers cry

Clean up crews full of fumes feel faint

And the black blood of Reena creeps slowly to shore.

Will she break up, when will we wake up?

Rena on the reef is Tauranga's nightmare on the Moana.

Where will the currents carry the nightmare next?

Final prayers try to build a wall against worst fears

The wailing wall of the old Kuia’s call

Carries her silhouette of sadness from her Motiti Marae.

And the black blood of Rena bleeds across the bay.

Date of Event18 October 2011

Usage

AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries

Relates To

Admin

AuthorTommy Kapai Wilson (18 October 2011)Type of ContributionLibrary story Last edited by: Matanga Taonga Tuku Iho Maori

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