Poems

Who are We?

A poem by Richard G Kennedy, Landcare Indigenous Involvement Officer, Albury-Wodonga, Victoria

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

Tree crusing a house and car.
Photo: Cheryl Empey, sxc.hu
Where in the world do we feel free,
When born into life as an Aborigine?
Our lives changed forever when the white man came.
An idyllic lifestyle never to be the same.

A oneness with nature since the beginning of time.
Now reduced to poverty, no identity, crime.
They conquered our paradise and tore it apart.
Now our mother is bleeding minus her heart.

Nature is screaming and crying in pain
At the loss of her children, the tears fall like rain.
We would like you to listen and pay heed to our words.
But as a minority our voices aren't heard.

As children of the land and make no mistake.
Know that a vengeful spirit will surely awake.
The earth will be cleansed and we must agree
That this will soon happen, for its man's destiny. 

Homework: Reflect on the poem

  • What is Richard telling us about the living situation of Aboriginal people?
  • Who is the 'mother' and her 'children'?
  • What could awaken the 'vengeful spirit'? Could we avoid it? How?

Read another one?

References

View article sources (1)

[1] Koori Mail 493 p.25

Cite this page

Korff, J 2020, Who are We?, <https://creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/arts/poems/who-are-we>, retrieved 4 December 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!