“Aotearoa” (New Zealand)

by Tom Boggins

The land of the long white cloud –
Aotearoa.
Fire-blowing dragons, and
Giant snake-like-worms;
Rattles the earth apart,
Rattles like the babies-rattle;
Calms the frightened child.
I leave behind my beloved Ireland;
O beloved Dublin! And go to Aotearoa.
Still I carry you in my heart till my dying day.
I only have to close my eyes and I’m walking the Wicklow Way;
Cycling around Blessington lakes; or running through fields of sheaves of wheat, that tickle
my face, hands, and short trouser leg.
I’m searching for the lads up by Corkagh Park, and cross the Camac river; down by Corkagh
lane, across Kavanagh’s and Dowling’s fields, back onto the Commons Road, and wolf down
bread and jam, and a jam-jar of Ma’s delicious sugary-tea.
O I hope that fire-blowing dragon and snake-like-earth-worm doesn’t tear-up my dreams
tonight!