(We remember you)
A nation’s pride turned to shame
the pain in life
merged into memories
the blood of the wounds
still weeps
today in history.
The beaury of this land
irretrievably stained
by the Myall Creek massacre
of 10th June 1838;
innocence blood
landmarking through the centuries
this moment in time.
A winter afternoon
of fear, crying, disbelief
as together Aborigines
were roped, herded off,
raped by white stockmen;
as the setting sun
witnesses the massacre
of twenty-eight
loved Wirrayaraay people.
The horror of the aftermath when seen,
saw the journey to justice begin,
six months and two trials later;
seven white stockmen hanged,
the first time the perpetrators
were caught and punished.
Today, on the 162nd anniversary
amidst smoke dispelling
from a ‘smoking’ ceremony
black and white together gather
turning visions of harmony
steadily into reality;
acknowledging the darkest dark of history.
Dedicating this memorial
of eight stones, each
telling part of the story,
a gentle walk along
the pathway to reconciliation,
pausing …..
reflecting ……….
Spirits of the dreamtime
reawakening to the
enlightened dawn of a new age,
bridging the gaps,
outstretched hands linking
black and white,
the flame of euphoria
of new friendships
most lovingly be rekindled.
Hearts must remain open,
what has begun must not die,
understanding must prevail,
time must not weary
what lieves in the memory
of history,
ngiyani winangay nginda
(c) J.A. Butler, ‘Killara’, Bingara 2404
11-23rd May, 2000
* Broadcast ABC Radio – Bill Gleeson’s Poetry Segment – 9/6/2000
* Broadcast ABC Radio – James O’Brien Programme – 9/6/2000
* Read at opening and dedicaiton of Myall Creek Memorial – 10/6/2000
* Published Koori Mail – 229th Edition – 28/6/2000