Messengers Relent - The Piwakawaka Poem by Keith Shorrocks Johnson

I who have come so far, find welcoming
Two small pied shadows dancing in the air.
Laughing at their delightful powhiri
I gather up their rautapu gifting,
Cherishing their tumble-round uplifting.

Yet piwakawakas I am aware -
You forewarn a threshold to my ending.
Once under my roof there’s no gift to share -
Just dark warriors' stern attending.


We brought the farthings sparrows to your place.
They once welcomed priests by flitting the space
Across the roof beams of an old thane’s hall
And gave us hope of welcome everlasting
To God’s mercy, ending sorrow's fasting.

I proffer you this blessing shared with all.