Otaihanga simple

 The wide stream never used to be for boats.
An estuary that made those few feel grateful.
Back then in 1959 people thought it was simple.
The greatness of simply existing to build something.
The local lostness of it all, uncertain beginnings
What is now a shallow muddy inlet back then-
Was an abundant waterway where boys would fish.
The mystery of the lupins lighting up those early years.
The heavy macrocarpa pines flexing toward the beach.
The strange Tararua ranges glaring down.
Knee high on the margin a young man stands.
Pondering the future of an incredible country.
That would flourish, then become a culture of complaint.
Ingenuity would be replaced with perfectionsim.
Progress would be in words and appearances.
Overtime the river became shallow and the boats disappeared.
Sailing off to Aussie for a better future.