Kahu

Once upon a time in a faraway Maori village,
A little girl named Kahu was born.
But instead of rejoicing with everyone else,
Her great-grandfather, Koro, was in a constant mourn.

It was no surprise to the family though;
Everyone knew a male descendant was all he wanted.
So when Kahu was born on that fateful day,
Koro’s dream of finding a suitable Maori chief was shattered.

Poor Kahu, she loved her great-grandfather so dearly,
But her love was never returned.
Koro’s obsession with finding a chief just grew stronger,
And so did Kahu’s yearn.

Each day passed just like the other
Yet Kahu was more heartbroken than before.
The family felt Kahu’s pain
And prayed that her heart would cure.

One fine day, Kahu proved to Koro
That she was worthy of his love.
She risked her life to save the village,
Did what most boys would never conceive of.

Kahu lay motionless on the hospital bed,
Looking so pale yet composed.
By then Koro thought it was too late;
He felt a pang of remorse.

Dear readers, the story would never end like that,
It’s too melancholic and tragic.
Little Kahu woke up miraculously and gazed at Koro’s toothless grin.
She finally understood the meaning of magic.