The Colonial
by Julie Prince
A black waistcoat, clean white shirt
And strong boots – we must go, my love
Down to the ship, the cold sea
Where sails unfurl, a berth awaits
And others join our journey.
There – words spoken, dreams roused
And promises made
Unto a land green and young
Where houses are few, the people are one
And the trees grow tall.
A black mackintosh, brown felt hat
And a taiaha – we must go, my friend
Down to the field, the soil ploughed
Where bush is cleared, fences march
And others watch
There – promises broken, land taken
And life given
In this land green and young
Where houses are many, the peoples are one
And the trees grow tall.