Oh Welly, you shining star
Today you were my heartbeat
as I walked your streets
to Te Papa to listen to
a conversation about 
a very modern woman
our Katherine Mansfield
100 years since she died
Oh Welly, what would she
think of you today...
Wouldn't she be surprised

The things she might have said
about the dreaded cruise ships
parked on the sea, disgorging
elderly tourists into Lambton Quay
imagine the parody...

Oh Welly, you sure turned it on
today, and I listened in thrall
to talk of our Colonial girl
so ahead of her time

I found you waiting for me
in your dress of words
and I took your hand
for a brief moment
just you and me babe
you and me

until an elderly tourist
offered to take my photo
Oh I know you'd love the
irony.

6 thoughts on “Welly, Me and Katherine Mansfield”

1. What a fun poem and day you had, Maggie.

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   • March 11, 2023 at 3:49 am
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   • Yes, a perfect Welly day.

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     • March 11, 2023 at 9:08 am
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2. Nice. Very nice.

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   • March 11, 2023 at 5:19 am
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3. T’was a very nice day. xx

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   • March 11, 2023 at 9:09 am
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4. Fabulous and funny! The photo did make me smile. Astute though, too especially re this huge tourist ships…

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   • March 11, 2023 at 2:05 pm
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   • Hello Meg. How lovely to hear from you. Warmest to you from Downunder.

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     • March 11, 2023 at 6:32 pm
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