Jenny Dobson wins Time Out's poetry prize

Matariki

When she walked –
small bells were heard

Trees smiled

Seven sisters accompanied her
their names have been forgotten
    it was a long time ago

        -------------------

The harvest is nearly done
They are returning soon

        --------------------

Preparations have begun
Cameron and Kayleigh are making
a kiwifruit tree, balancing small, hard
fruit on twigs, dropping butterfly seeds
so they spin all glorious to the ground

The tree is quivering in anticipation
It can hardly believe its own bounty

The tree’s buds fatten a little –
There are cold days to come but it’s OK
We have seeds.  We know what
is in them.  Our baskets are full

        --------------------

In the early morning
Old women call their karanga

    Haere Mai …
   
Haere Mai ...

a schoolgirl answers

    haere mai …


Something has changed

by Jenny Dobson
shared by Time Out Bookstore      

Jenny Dobson (from Hastings) was the winner of the Sunday Star-Times / Time Out Bookstore National Poetry Day Competition 2010.