My Vaka, My Waka, My Va'a

Another new poem,
This talks about journeys of those polynesians who travelled from island to island. Searching for new land, new homes. This also reflects of My Vaka and where I have travelled and future sites..
enjoy.



My Vaka, My Waka, My Va'a
carries my ola from mystical shores
as far as the east
as deep as the south

My Vaka, My Waka, My Va'a
is of wood from the motherland Samoa and Tonga
an island surrounded by wild fish,
Exotic perfumed flowers growing towards the la

My Vaka, My Waka, My Va'a
carries the hopes and dreams of my people
in search of more land,
in search of new homes,
following the bright stars

My Vaka, My Waka, My Va'a
arrives to a place of the Long white cloud...
where my aiga nestles in the nu'u of Magele, Aucklani
metal vechicles puff out black smoke and drive on painted cement and rail way lines.

My Vaka, My Waka, My Va'a
I carry in me. I am the canoe that floats amongst the streets of Aukalani
I have three baskets for all my journeys
A basket full of aiga for support in doubtful moments
A basket full of culture tattooed on my left arm
A basket full of alofa for moments where love does not exist at all

My Vaka, My Waka, My Va'a
Follows the stars of polynesian sky
Travelling back and forth to the Nu'u of Wellintoni , Nelsoni and back to Aukalani
Breathing in the cultural richness of the diversities in others
Appericating my lines of culture and all that it has to offer.

Crossed Cultures: Blackmail Press Launch

Friday 18th April 2008

Friends, family and poetry lovers joinned us for the launch of "Crossed Cultures", a Blackmail Press special issue.

Blackmail Press, edited by Doug Poole (Samoan and European descent) is a dedicated e-zine dedicated to spreading the voice of established emerging poets.

The Crossed Cutlures issue, guest editied by Renee Liang, is an exploration of the diverse voices heard in our international community today, 47 poets from 15 countries explore the theme of crossing cultures, weaving a tapestry of shared experience and reaching out over cultura divides.

A fab evening of poetry. It was my first ever poetry performace as well, so I was really nervous. Kicked off with DJ Kamali - who sung. He totally rocks, and then followed by Doug sharing a few words and making the official Launch! I'm looking forward to out next poetry performance, it was really inspiring.

Thanks to my possie: Katie, Susie, Karen, Samantha, & Johnny for coming along - you guys rock! Next time remember to bring the Banners! lol