Becoming Home

"Ka mua, ka muri" which translates to "walking backwards into the future" is a Maori whakatauki (proverb) that reminds us of the importance of where we come from and how the wisdom of our ancestors, our elders and our past can guide our present into an unknown future. Mua means both "what's in front" and "the past", whereas muri means "what's behind" and "the future". This offers an Indigenous orientation to time, place and belonging. Perhaps the poems I have chosen to include in this book will offer a glimpse into my own journey of ka mua ka muri, and the words that mark points within the concentric circles of my life.