16 Comments
User's avatar
SEMI RAD's avatar

The loudest yapping dogs can be those small shivery ones... just because it seems loud, doesn't make it big... these voices don't represent the people who read your poetry or watch your performances. Even if they like to think they're the big dog.

If your girl and you need more voices to drown out the yapping, know that you are one of my most inspirational people to have met and learned from. You are graceful and staunch in equal measure! And sharp! So sharp it's glorious!

Bae might need to visit the Wizard of Oz ay.

Expand full comment
Tusiata Avia's avatar

Thanks for you beautiful words, they are a tonic to me in crazy times.

Expand full comment
Michaela's avatar

Love it. Poor bae. But not really. I love to read him being crushed by his own hypocrisy (and by your poem). What a sad baby. Thank you ⚡️

Expand full comment
Tusiata Avia's avatar

Thanks for for your tautoko, it means the world to me in these insane times.

Expand full comment
Julie's avatar

His press release read like a Facebook rant from a racist uncle. I'm sorry he's stirring up so much abuse towards you. It must stick in his throat that someone who refuses to be silenced by him is succeeding so hard. Kia kaha. x

Expand full comment
Tusiata Avia's avatar

Thanks so much for your tautoko, it makes such a difference to me to feel the support.

Expand full comment
Melva's avatar

Thank you for standing up and writing the words.

Thank you for all the things you write. All the voices you raise.

Please let your daughter know I subscribed for her, so she knows you don’t stand alone.

And congratulations on your most deserved award.

Xxm

Expand full comment
Tusiata Avia's avatar

Thanks so much Melva. I’ll let my daughter know. We appreciate your tautoko. One of the characters from Ken Loach’s latest film, The Oak Tree said: “You must have strength to have hope”. It’s people like you who give me both.

Expand full comment
Catherine Lee's avatar

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Expand full comment
Linda.Baker's avatar

Him and his DPM buddy are like the drunk uncles at the government wedding. Embarrassing themselves. You are an inspiration and beautiful with it, inside and out. Tautoko and arohanui to you and your beautiful girl. Xxx

Expand full comment
Tusiata Avia's avatar

Thanks so much for your tautoko.

Expand full comment
Ange Walker's avatar

Sending a ton of love and support. Your words are 🔥 and so important right now

Expand full comment
Tusiata Avia's avatar

Many thanks, feeling the love and appreciating it.

Expand full comment
Graham Atkinson's avatar

Nihil illegitimi carborundum

Never let the bastards grind you down

Expand full comment
Tusiata Avia's avatar

I was just thinking about that quote but didn’t know it in Latin. Thanks 🙏🏽

Expand full comment
Graham Atkinson's avatar

Won't guarantee that my Latin is anything but what you could call "dog Latin" but the meaning is clear

Expand full comment