The moon has been eaten
I swim through black sea
silt lined lungs heave
seaweed fingers drag
no silvery path for navigation.
The moon has been eaten.
Marakihau stretches out his long tongue
I run through black forest
hollow tree, charcoal ache
Ongaonga; numb me nettle
Kuri unsated by her howl.
The moon has been eaten.
Turehu play their flutes through the mist
I paddle hard upstream
fighting current & memory
waka wooden groan, begging respite
no white pebble for thirst or guiding light.
The moon has been eaten
On the river bank the Tohunga casts your glistening Atahu, whakaora aroha
Penny Howard is of Maori (Te Mahurehure) Irish and Scottish desecnt.
Penny is a full time artist who is represented by Whitespace Contemporary art. Her latest solo Show Four Steps to standing on a Horse was a collaboration between herself and her partner, poet Doug Poole. The poetry here was written by her specifically for that show.
Penny's artworks are held in various NZ collections including The Wallace Arts Trust, Auckland City Council, Auckland Events Centre, Auckland University and ASB Community Trust. Penny has been a finalist in the the Wallace Trust Art Award, the Adam Portraiture Award and the Walker and Hall Art Award.
Penny's poetry has been published in Sidestream, Mana Magazine and in previous issues of Blackmailpress.
