was was

Yes, it is correct. This is a construction which gives ESL students fits.

What this is is a puzzling construction for non native speakers.

Here is an example which might help you to understand--i mistrust my ability to explain this clearly:

What we are is a silly tribe. "What we are" provides the verb "to be" in agreement with "we," the first person plural, and "what we are" functions as the subject of the sentence. The use of "is" is the form of "to be" which agrees with "silly tribe."

I'm sure i have not made myself understandable, but your sentence is correct, even if it seems strange.

Once again Thank you!