There’s no place like home
"Kia mau ki te tokanga nui a noho"
Aotearoa’s
Beckoning
Call
Devotedly
Echoes in the mind of her people.
Flights
Going
Homebound
Ignored
Journeying where the grass is greener.
Kiwis
Look
Mondially
Neglecting
Our pounamu resting against our chests.
Pride
Quietly
Ruminates
Since
Te reo Māori reminds us, kia mau ki te tokanga nui a noho.
Unconditionally, her
Voice
Whispers
Xenially,
You’re welcome here. You’re welcome home.
Zealandia.
About the Creator
Joe O’Connor
New Zealander living in London
Teacher of English and History, and sport-lover
Mostly short stories and poems📚
Feel free to be honest- one constructive comment beats a hundred generic ones
Currently writing James The Wonderer
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Keep reading
More stories from Joe O’Connor and writers in Poets and other communities.
Comments (12)
Joe, this is so beautiful. One of my professors married a Māori man she met while vacationing in New Zealand. They moved to Cambridge and have been there more than 40 years. I always wondered how he acclimated and if he missed visiting his home. Your poem is such a strong statement for 'home'. And congrats on the Abecedarian challenge! A wonderful entry!
Wooohooooo congratulations on your win!! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Congrats! What an intriguing and clever piece!
Congrats on your placement! Great poem
Love this one too...
I enjoy the abecedarian's that I don't know that is one until I get further into it! Good job!😊💕
I lived in Hawai'i for seven years, getting to know the brethren of the proud Māori. I love all Polynesians : )
I didn't even notice this was for the challenge so well done
What a gorgeous tribute, and more New words for me to learn ❤️
Love this abecedarian!
Beautifully done
A lovely dedication to your homeland. I have visited her too. Beautiful. I have some very special memories from there.