Rewi to Grey
The Old Maori Chief’s Last Message
Rewi to Grey - meaning Summary
Parting Wish for Unity
A dying Maori chief addresses a brother, asking that they be buried together under a single stone bearing both names. The speaker frames this request as his "great word," a final wish for unity in death that transcends lifetime divisions, urging a shared memorial "be they white or brown." The poem is a concise, solemn plea for reconciled identity and lasting togetherness beyond death.
Read Complete AnalysesWe have lived till these times, brother, We who lived in this; We have not grown old together, Soon our lives must close – Rewi’s first! For I am dying Ere I got where all is true From my heart a wish is flying – This is my great word to you: Mine to you and those who love us – Be they white or brown – Let there be one stone above is When they’ve laid us down; Let us rest together, brother, When our gods recall us two. Grant my wish – I have no other: This is my great word to you. Let there be one stone above us, Standing for a sign: On one side your name be written On the other mine. In my heart your name is lying; We shall meet where all is true – From y heart this wish is flying This is my great word to you.
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