Peace Blessings In Guhu-Samane Poem by Kimberly Burnham

In Papua New Guinea peace feathers
blessings are exchanged
in a language Guhu-Samane
known as Bia, Mid-Waria, Muri, Paiawa, Tahari,
a divergent Trans-New Guinea language
related to the Binanderean family

Poro fathers do an incantation
for peace and security
and all is well.
"Poroho maimanei pona ma
hasu hiiremi abi isanatorai"
in Guhu-Samane
"pona ma hasu
keba ma dzapaho agoago"
blessings of peace

Poro tongo
bonding of special provisions
finally released by owner
on behalf of his people
a peace treaty between
two enemy groups

So there can be
"qupa dzohidzohi
iiha ma dzoobidza
qupa rikerike
qupa qidzaqidza"
good thinking
peace of mind
reason out

And an exchange
soota - bangedza sooru,
nee suu qohaqoha
the chevron-striated pinion feather
of a cockatoo
the Poro symbol of peace
between warring parties