Tane the Smothered Forest Child

Papa, Mother, I thank you for my life

Rangi, Father, I could ask for nothing more

But parents, forgive me, we all are in such pain

Trapped in your embrace, our struggles are in vain

You have never tried to do us wrong, you simply did not know

But only if you are apart does the light begin to show

My brother of the seas, his waves cannot move at all

My brother of the wind, his spirit will soon fall

This realm will birth the most wondrous life

But to bring forth joy of beauty and sadness of strife

I must separate you now and suffer your tears

Your fog of sadness will haunt me for the rest of my years

But the light of the sun will warm the world

And the moon’s glow will be bright

As I lie with Hine in our bed

I know that what I have done is right