The cry of a thousand cries pierced the night –
Where are my children, my children, my children?
By sea they came
With muskets
Pointed at your children’s heads,
It’s time to leave they said.
And from the north Ngai Toa stole your lands.
Now your eyes yellow from endless tears
Your lip curling in fear for their lives,
We ask,
Te Whanganui-a-tara where are your children?
Cry for them Tangi Te Keo
Cry for a million cars passing through your womb.
Where have your children gone?
They are starving, starving, starving.