Chrysalis-Dionne   In Search of Glowworm

While journeying through the South island of New Zealand I met an elderly Maori shaman who seemed to have been awaiting my arrival.  Due to his failing health, he wasted no time in leading me to a chest full of many, many threadbare journals he had unearthed years ago from the Fyffe House property.  Above Avoca Point on the shores of Kaikoura, the Fyffe House excavations have revealed a land rich with history.  Relieved that his work was somehow done, my Maori guide grabbed my hands, put his forehead to mine and whispered with a frail voice, “Puratoke . . . whakapai.”  Questions poured forth, but not one was answered.  Instead, with tear-filled eyes, my wonderful shamanic warrior sighed with relief then slowly departed . . . never to be heard from again.

What I found fascinating, while examining the journals more closely, was although the covers  are extremely weathered the internal pages are made of virtually indestructible paper.  Opaque, lightweight, and comprised of a soft, plastic material, I can conclude only one thing.  These journals are from another century far, far into the future . . .