toikupu #4, 2026

toikupu #4, 2026

sun

I thought I knew you:

the glow of you making your way

from one horizon to another,

the way you break out from behind clouds,

glinting into the corners of my eyes

like a smile.

I have known you

reflected off snow and harbour spray;

I have known you so well you have 

made my skin 

peel in sacred worship.

You make even the puddles steam 

for you.

Rauhina Kohuwai-Banks

04/4/2026, Ōtepoti: toikupu #4