John A. Moller

THE TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR: NEW ZEALAND

In testament we bear your broken body home from far horizons
To the land which made the substance of your flesh, dreams and innocence
Which you laid down for those whom you greatly loved.

Known only to God who made the stuff of stars and the glory of the Southern Cross
We bring you home in the warm embrace of our Waka to rest in peace
And within the promise you once made in fields of bright bayonets and death.

May your warrior spirit hear forever the flaunting, haunting notes of the Tui
Falling down from the far sills of great mountains and the birth place of Poanamu
Wrapped as you are in the cloak of Flanders’ Poppies and our nation’s grief.

We hear the whisper of your words upon the soft winds which blow
Within the majesty of Totara and Kauri groves
And know your name: Soldier of New Zealand.

©Copyright May 29, 2004 by John A. Moller

The Tomb to the Unknown Warrior, National War Memorial, Wellington, New Zealand: The tomb was designed by sculptor Kingsley Baird. The design is inspired by the stars of Southern Cross guiding the Warrior home. Black granite and white crosses depict the night sky and the warrior’s companions who fell in battle. Across the top of the granite surround is the text of a karanga (see below), in Maori and English, calling the warrior home. A cloak of bronze, decorated with pounamu (greenstone) crosses depicting the national flag, rests as a celestial and protective mantle over the tomb.