Pourakino River

Pourakino River, Southland.

The Pourakino is a silent river,
A river of dark secrets, ancient lore;
With its strange Maori legends whispered never,
Unless at midnight to the dark-washed shore.
Its waters are as black as native demons,
It twists their antics as it crawls along
With hobbling gait; it dances alien hakas,
It seems to be weighed down by some great wrong.
Yet through the seasons it is comforted
By tree-ferns telling it their greenest tale;
By rimus red, and silver beeches swaying
A rhythmic measure which should never fail.
And close beside its ears so cold with hate,
The crepe ferns voice their lyrics delicate.

S. G. August.

The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 8, Issue 7 (November 1, 1933)