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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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