Shortland Street star Sally Martin has penned a heartfelt poem in tribute to fellow actor Pua Magasiva ahead of his funeral.
Martin, who played the wife of Magasiva on the iconic TV show, expressed her sense of loss and reflect on the ways he impacted her life on social media.
"Have had too many of my moments
This week at work
Where my heart has stumbled
And I've lost my breath," Martin's post began.
She went on to say how much of a support he could be for her during difficult times on set.
"Those moments that you saw me through
When you'd play a prank
Make a joke
When you'd distract all the eyes
And all the lenses
To just give me a chance
To stand behind a door
To gather myself in private
In order to carry on"
Finally, she expressed her frustration in losing someone who was loved by so many people.
"I would've done that for you
People would've lined up to do that for you
Lined up to hold you through a million rough moments"
A private funeral was held for Pua Magasiva in Wellington on Friday after he was found dead last week.
Magasiva, who also used to host the breakfast show on radio station Flava, was 38 years old.
Pua's older brother, and fellow ex-Shortland Street actor, Robbie Magasiva also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram on Friday saying "My heart is broken I miss you so much Pua we all do. Rest now. I love you Pua".
The full poem by Sally Martin.
Have had too many of my moments
This week at work
Where my heart has stumbled
And I've lost my breath
You know, those moments
My moments you know well
When with a single glance
You could somehow see
My spirit falter⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Those moments that you saw me through
When you'd play a prank
Make a joke
When you'd distract all the eyes
And all the lenses
To just give me a chance
To stand behind a door
To gather myself in private
In order to carry on⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I would've done that for you⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
People would've lined up to do that for you⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Lined up to hold you through a million rough moments⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I wonder if you can see them all now
Lining up to hold your family
Hold your girls
Your precious girls
Surrounding them
Loving them⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I hope you can see them now
All these people
Who love you so hard⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I hate your demons
But I love your guts
And man, I'mma miss you
Where to find help and support:
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Newshub.
