Lost for Words

Taha Hinengaro... Mind
Written By Cameron Taylor
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I desire to kōrero in the language of my tīpuna

Express my mahamaha through te reo

My koro was punished for

 

Stopping him from teaching it to his tamariki

Te reo my māmā never learnt

I never learnt

 

Not speaking my own language 

Builds the highest barrier between

Who I am and who I want to be.

 

White girl in a Māori world

Doesn’t hold the knowledge

Looks different

 

Still I strive to learn the reo

My skills are strengthened

The barrier destroyed

 

Not until 

The walls are gone 

And I feel accepted 

Knowledgeable  

Included 

Māori 

Cameron Taylor

Cameron Brooke Taylor (Ngāti Awa, Ngāpuhi) is a university student in Dunedin. After finishing her first year of studies, Cameron decided to drop that completely. Next year, she will be embarking on her first year of a creative writing degree. She is on a massive weight loss journey and has lost 10kgs in the last two months. Cameron is also a singer/dancer.

“I write about a personal topics that are close to my heart. I think it's so important for everyone to share their stories and words, it makes the world a much more beautiful and interesting place when we do. You never know who your words might help.”

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