POHUTUKAWA CHRISTMAS
In this southern place
pohutukawa stands all year
green and murmering
wind whipped
clinging to the rocky shorlines.
But when pohutukawa breaks
glorious red
against a clear blue sky
to the roar of rolling surf
we know Christmas has come!
Time to light the barbeque
slap on sunscreen
and celebrate.
Pohutukawa Christ,
You stand in our midst all year
singing Your ever-green song of love.
But at christmas you break out
blood-red, flesh-soft
to the same sound of a baby breathing.
Gift beyond description
we kneel and welcome You.
Written by Barbara Sampson