1. Mara, Maori maiden proud,
Famed for poi play
Far on winds her name is blown
Dusky lithesome fay

Ki-a-ri-te, ki-a-ri-te
Poi po-ro-ti-ti ta-pa-ra pa-tu-a
Hei ha hei!   Hei ha!
Hei ha hei!   Hei ha!

(Refrain)
Watch her supple wrist,
And the poi twirl and twist;
Hear the gentle tapping,
'Gainst the raupo wrapping
Of this fascinating thing,
Tiny ball on end of string,
Of this fascinating thing,
Tiny ball on end of string,
Tiny ball! Tiny ball!

2. Mark the sound her piu-piu makes
As her body moves;
That it is enchanted flax
Such sweet music proves

Kiarite, kiarite
Poi porotiti tapara patua
Hei ha hei!   Hei ha!
Hei ha hei!   Hei ha! 

(Refrain)
Watch her supple wrist,
And the poi twirl and twist;
Hear the gentle tapping,
'Gainst the raupo wrapping
Of this fascinating thing,
Tiny ball on end of string,
Of this fascinating thing,
Tiny ball on end of string,
Tiny ball! Tiny ball!