Guidelines for a heart that’s been broken

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

I have given you something sacred.

Not to have but to hold.

Not to be tampered with but treasured.

It is not a toy nor a trophy.

It is a token of trust.

That you will care for it.

Not take it for granted.

You see when something has been broken

it is sometimes harder to open.

And what it contains might be surprising.

But I need to know you will stand by me.

You've given me yours too, to hold.

And it is not a burden but a blessing.

A gift I am grateful for.

■ Anyone interested in submitting poetry for publication in The Guide can send their work to jack.marshall@gisborneherald.co.nz