Waka Poem by lindsay Dougherty

Shinning and gleaming she sits and waits.
Created with love and sweat of many she waits.
At last she is placed gently into the water.
She is at last where she belongs.
She feels at one with the water.
It gathers round her, her shape forms to it.
Then its time to begin her first journey.
The chosen crew mounts her with pride and joy.
In time to an ancient chant, their paddles dig deep into the water.
She surges forward cutting into the water like a giant knife cutting its way through life.
Splashes of water land on her hull and shine like diamonds.
The people watch hearts full of pride and excitement.
She is alive now and will serve them for many years.