Lines and Lyrics from Christchurch - Otautahi

Poem for Poets and storytellers United

Riverside Market

Lines and Lyrics from Christchurch – Ōtautahi

The Riverside Market pulses with energy
as folk gather ‘round picnic tables,
consuming pita, pie, and prawn pad Thai,
conspiring to taste tangible moments.
The tram trundles along the tracks through
Christchurch streets straight as chorus chords,
where orange cones sit like scattered notes.

Echoes of the past have settled like soft syllables
on the foreheads of people, who smile
when sunlight leaks on their latté
Its arms trace the tender green
and the yellow of daffodils
in this pleasant potpourri of Hagley Park.

In this city, people walk on paths
curved like snakes on pale, puffy hills,
up to the rim, to be hypnotised by
the aqua-blue eye of Lyttleton Harbour.
Thoughts and trees reflect in the water,
creating an ancient hymn.

On the East, the Pacific laps at the shore like a lulleby
pacifying the passer-by, strolling on soft sand.
All over, people sing with silver tongues
the song of belonging, in lines and lyrics
that intone the strength, resilience,
and spirit of a city that shelters us.

 

 

Arohanui Christchurch 💗

Punter in Hagley Park

 

Lyttelton Harbourt

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