Ngā Taonga Tuku Ihoa
Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho
Their echoes cry from the dust
Reaching out to me
Like the cold kiss of a gentle breeze
On the back of my neck
Makes my senses stir
A whirlwind is roaring in my head
My eyes cannot see them
Yet, I am aware of their presence
I close my eyes
And let their resonant whispers
Like a soft caress,
Soothe my weary spirit
And their wairua of love encompasses me
They are my ancestors
Who have long since passed
From this mortal realm
But have left for me
A treasured inheritance
Nga taonga tuku ihoa