Te Henga - Bethells Beach

Te Henga, oh Te Henga, you beauty.

Thank you for holding me.

Your wairua is powerful —

old as the wind,

steady as the tide.

You stretch wide beneath the western sky,

black sands warm with memory,

karakia whispered through the dunes.

The moana roars your ancient name

and I feel it in my heart.

You do not ask me to be anything.

You take my heaviness and return it to the sea.

You press my bare feet into the sand

and remind me —

I belong.

Cliffs standing like tūpuna,

watching,

patient,

strong.

The salty breeze braids through my hair

like a quiet blessing.

Te Henga,

when I feel small, you are vast.

When I feel lost, you are horizon.

When I am tired, you are embrace.

Thank you for your mana.

Thank you for your wairua,

for guiding me home to myself.

Thank you for reminding me to do the mahi

and spread the aroha.

I carry you,

in my heart,

in my soul,

in my spirit,

Always.

© March 2026 Jessica Brauer