My name is Kahu
Kahu Aprirana
Daughter of Porourangi Aprirana
Grand-daughter of
Nanny Flowers and
Koro Aprirana
My mother Rehua
Died, three months
After my birth
I live with
Her loving parents
For two years
I come back
To my Grandparents
Nanny Flowers loves
Me very much
But Old Paka
Doesn’t love me
He can’t accept
Me for being feminine
I feel unwanted
I feel unloved
I feel discouraged
I want to be noticed
I want to be accepted
I want to be loved
Being a girl
Is so hard
No meetings allowed
I’m meant to
Be weak, frail
But I Kahu
Am strong
I can lead
It’s in my
Maori blood
It’s my rightful place
Men and Women
Should be equal
Women can lead
As well as Men
I love the Beach
I love the water
The cool water
I sit down
On the sand
My toes feel
The cool soft sand
Looking at the sea
The blue sparkling sea
I hear a calling
Beckoning me to
Enter the sea
I stand up
I begin to walk
Slowly
Slowly
Towards the sea
My feet feels
The warm water
It rushes through
My veins
The calling gets
Louder and louder
I’m pulled by
A strong force
Into the sea
I hesitate
I want to go
I want to leave
Just this once
I say softly
I dive into
The sea
I’m home
Where I belong
Where I’m accepted
Where I’m loved
I feel different
I’m dreaming
I say
Coral beautiful coral
Different sizes and colours
I swim deeper
And deeper
Into the deep
Yes
I’m home
I’m where I belong.
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