Almost antipodean, in diametric movement along disjoint
meridians, we
arced and swiveled, twisted and coiled, slowly spinning until
life’s voyages conjoined.
Now our worlds rotate harmonically together as whānau: extended
family, sisters bound by
generosity, kindness, appreciation for each other and the
natural world.
As pohutukawa bloom, she honors me with pounamu, prized stone
of Maori chiefs,
fashioned as koru, the unfolding silver fern, shape of
perpetual movement.
Symbol of life’s equilibrium and harmony, change and growth,
whorls inside coil and
roll toward their beginning, as outer leaves expand to create
new fronds.
Softly shaped with sandstone and skill, the glistening green pendant,
helical, looping,
rests on my throat, reaching for my heart.
