The Wolves of Wakepeke

“Can you hear the white wolves crying?”
said Maranga to Kalista.
“I can only hear the river,”
said the young boy to his sister.

“Can you hear the white wolves laughing?”
“No, my sister, just the reed-bed
and the wind amongst the pine-trees.
Sweet Maranga, don’t be frightened.”

Now the white wolves grow much closer.
Dear Kalista, can’t you hear them?”
“Sweetest sister – stop your weeping.
See the moon rise from the mountain.

Blessed spirits of the night-time
have begun their jubilations.
Until sunrise in the valley
they will dance in celebration.”

“Can you hear the white wolves howling?
Many more there are in number,
so it's time to leave our wigwam
call it quits and do a runner.”

“Maranga – you’re a coward!
See the light shines from the kitchen.
In his wisdom, Father left it,
‘cos he knew that you’d turn chicken!”