We come sit-down

That ole woman died
she knew the songs.
We come sit-down this water
no more singin' now
we listenin' t' frogs.

Frankie drunk all-time now
cryin' an' hittin' out.
We sit-down now
keepin' quiet
listen to paperbarks.

Children all-gone now
laughin' some other place.
We sittin' by this water
long-long time
listen to wind.

Fella on horse, he come by
but he see nothin'.
We sittin' by this water
breathin' out an' in
but he see nothin'.

We come sit-down here
we stay here by this waterhole
listen to frogs
listen to paperbarks.
Fella see nothin'.

This poem is about the loss and suffering of the Aboriginal people of Australia. Each stanza refers to an example of the losses these people have suffered and continue to suffer in social disintegration.

Their culture has been lost and forgotten as the older generations die; alcoholism and violence are one result of their disorientation; and many of their children have been taken away from them by government policy.

They have been unvalued and invisible to many Australians. However, they are enduring. They are still here and, in many cases, still able to find meaning through direct contact with nature.

These are the subjects touched in the poem. On a different note, the current renaissance in Aboriginal art is bringing new hope to these people and to many Australians. Their art is distinctive, dynamic and versatile — a uniquely new element in world art.

© 1999 Gillian B King