hearth 

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  • Published 20250204
  • ISBN: 978-1-923213-04-3
  • Extent: 196 pp
  • Paperback, ebook. PDF

yes, one day, finally, it will all fall away 

like all dead things 

we will sit again by the campfire 

story illuminating the fall of empire 


one day 

again 

we will choose enough 

lean away from more 

pull our hands from its heat 

lean 

wandunban nguliindu

always 

into the earth 

quickening its molten heart

we will draw from there

unflinching

our song 

carry it 

on feathered feet 

to deepest country 

cast it toward the shore


one day again

mudhunda

you will thrum  

and our song 

will bear witness 

wandhandja wandhanja mardin-yimba 

blak witness of all time 


One day one day one day.


*******

wandunban nguliindu– our customary/spiritual way of being 

mudhunda – the name I have given to so called Australia, meaning the song Country

wandhanja wandhanja – everywhen

mardin – the people

yiimba – hear listen and think 

‘One day one day one day.’ – With permission from A Language of Limbs by Dylin Hardcastle 

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About the author

Cheryl Leavy

Cheryl Leavy writes non-fiction, poetry and children’s literature. Her first children’s book, Yanga Mother, was published by UQP in 2024. She has been awarded...

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