Driving From Wanganui To Taumarunui. Poem by Michael Walker

The Whanganui River shadows SH4 for the first fifty kilometres
heading north; through hills, valleys and tight corners;
There are stands of poplars on both sides of the road,
like a guard of honour for motorists challenged to the limit.
The moody river cut away sides of the road when it flooded,
so that there are now 'Washout' signs, where orange-vested men
are working, having put their orange cones on the road,
slowing down cars and narrowing the road, but not too much.

I drive past the Otoko Pa, which was a fortress in the Land Wars,
but is peaceful today. I get out of the car to view Raukawa Falls,
which are narrow, and quite low and but still make a constant din.
The river disappears near Raetihi, giving more normal driving conditions.
I stop in Raetihi to walk the widest main street in the North
Island:

In this country town are some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand.
When I cruise across the bridge into Taumarunui the river reappears.
I am sailing on the incoming tide carried along by currents from the
past.
The reunion starts today, Friday, at the Athletic sports club-rooms,
a marquee happening.

- 3 -5 March,2018.