The eternity that
only a child can know,
an interminable drive
through that wild
and stormy night,
on the Desert Road.
.
The window’s whistling –
never quite closed –
incessant whispering
thoughts, bright flashes
in the dark – and rumbles, deep –
disturbing desires to doze.
.
Papatuanuku alive
with laughing love,
telling tales to the little ones,
trying not to notice
in their sleep.
.
Moonlight on the silver sea
closer to Opotiki,
half awake, half asleep,
closer to our beds
.
Pohutukawa
tunnels of love and
welcome silhouettes,
the dancing Waioeka Gorge
sways and pirouettes.
.
The rhythm of a Vauxhall six
growling its way home,
the belonging of our sweet breaths
all contested limbs
together in the back seat,
alone.
.
Being lifted, limp
Protests, grizzles, love
.
And the full moon
on the lamb’s ear,
grey and ghostlike
by the door.
Chris Perley
