Poems

Burning Tree

A poem by Samuel Mclean

Close this Cover of Aboriginal Culture Essentials

Wishing you knew more about Aboriginal culture? Search no more.

Get key foundational knowledge about Aboriginal culture in a fun and engaging way.

This is no ordinary resource: It includes a fictional story, quizzes, crosswords and even a treasure hunt.

Stop feeling bad about not knowing. Make it fun to know better.

Sold! Show me how No, thank you

Leafless tree against a bright moon.
In the words from a white Prime Minister, 'sorry'?
You think that justice has been served?
But where is my family tree the one that I deserved?
I lost mine in one generation, a generation where white man's justice was often curved.
We never asked for a 'sorry' in a politician's words,
We asked for respect, a respect which needs to be earned.
But you will never get this off me, you lost it long ago.
The only time i will give you mine
Is when you find my grandma's name,
The name the white man burned!

Thank you Sam for sending me this poem of yours!

Read another one?

Cite this page

Korff, J 2020, Burning Tree, <https://creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/arts/poems/burning-tree>, retrieved 21 November 2024

Creative Spirits is a starting point for everyone to learn about Aboriginal culture. Please use primary sources for academic work.

Join thousands of Smart Owls who know more!