This is a kind of "found poem" read at Kathy's service at Wainuiomata Marae which I wove together from thoughts expressed by several of her friends, who I asked to describe her in less than ten words.
"Auteur"
you were
warrior woman
expansive intellect
cryptic trickster, leaping ahead
above, beyond
bounding around
unbound
as many twists and turns as an adventure
"The sportiest 49 year-old I've ever known," said Bevan, 10
Funny, fey and fabulous
attracting a multiplicity of moths
carrying them high in the updraft of your flame
not burnt, but burning to be
at least a little like you.
Stylish, even in a wetsuit
dripping sack of kina in hand
those eyes, that smile -
quizzical, elusive -
beguile...
Just try! as if they really might have a chance
as if, just maybe
with enough perseverance
discipline, stamina....
Hard candy for weak-kneed would-be lovers.
A challenge? Up for it!
from the Tiger 100 Racing Team
to the Wainui pool, community video
and much in between.
Loving, loyal
in for the long haul
Transformer of personal tragedy,
a life-love lost,
to an epiphany for all.
Kathy did not aim for the stars
to fail
be satisfied with only the moon
She fired from her heart
soul, mind
and created a galaxy.
I said this poem would be Kathy in ten words
that, like Kathy,
was understated.
To wairua ki a Tawhiri
Tukuna kia rere.