Poems by Atareria

Ordered by most recent inclusion in Tarot

I woke one morning to find her
Spider marked; covered in silver threads
Moon touched; gleaming, curling wisps

I never imagined this girl
(She is still a girl)
Happy girl, anxious girl, safe girl

I never imagined she’d be a woman
(Guess I should start)
Strong woman, soft woman, kind woman

A year ago, two, five, ten
Even last month
I didn’t know she could

Do all the things
Be every vision
Walk any path

Where did she learn this?
Who showed her?
(Do they give classes?)

I spent the afternoon watching her
Shining girl; skin soft and eyes warm
Quiet girl; nose in a book

Ink dyes her fingers
Sadness stains her heart
And she’s still here

Smiling from the mirror

Your words are razors
Even if that’s not your intention
But that’s why I cover myself in pounamu
Unlike wai māori polishing me smooth
You are a southerly gale
But all your air can only buffet me
Never break or even scratch me
I will weather you
Until you pass on by
And the loss is all yours
Because my kiekie heart is a taonga too