top of page

[untitled]

  • Meilani Payne
  • Jul 22, 2024
  • 1 min read

A poem by Meilani Payne


As we experience the irritants of this word,

The hardships we are placed in,

The agenda’s forced onto us, 


Our tupuna gather around us,

Our kōpu tangata embracing us,

Coming together to coat us.

 

Morphing,

Shaping us,

We are transformed.


When you try to infect us,

Damage us,

Invade us,

We take your hits, we take your cuts,

Your efforts to break us, 

take us, 

shake us.


And despite it all, we become something mānea.


We are the epitome of strength, resiliency and grace.

Pārau.




Comments

Salient Main Logo 2026 - BlackWhite.png

Got something to say about the magazine? Want it published? email editor@salient.org.nz with the subject line: Letter to the Editor.

​

Salient is publichsed by, but remains editorially independent from, the Victoria University of Wellington Students Association (VUWSA). Salient is funded in part by VUWSA through the Student Services Levy. Salient is a member of teh Aotearoa Student Press Association (ASPA). 

​

Complaints regarding the material published in Salient should first be brought to the VUWSA CEO in writing (ceo@vuwsa.org.nz). A letter can be sent to the editor, for their response/publication in the magazine. f not satisfied by either response, complains should be directed to the Media Council (info@mediacouncil.org.nz). 

© 2026 by Salient Magazine. 

bottom of page