tomorrow we are dead
     – for Ukraine, 2026

today not born
always in the moment
of epiphany

he came for us
mad dog that he is
on a chain of saliva

who knew his blood
would run this cold
inventing history

today we rise and fall
like the lungs we are
inhaling victory

tomorrow as dark smoke
he will be gone
our hearts will shine

no more of his lies
will rise to murder
spring and summer

24.7.26
Jeffrey Paparoa Holman

Jeffrey Paparoa Holman writes poetry, short fiction, history and memoir. He has published seven volumes of poetry; Best of Both Worlds (Penguin, history, 2010); The Lost Pilot (Penguin, memoir, 2013); Now When it Rains ( Steele Roberts,memoir, 2017). As Big As A Father (Steele Roberts, 2002) was shortlisted in the Montana Book Awards, Poetry, 2003. Best of Both Worlds: the story of Elsdon Best and Tutakangahau (2010) was shortlisted in the Ernest Scott Prize, History (2011, Australia). His most recent work, a family history, Lily, Oh Lily – Searching for a Nazi Ghost (2024), is published by Canterbury University Press.