Healing the Land

I was not there when you first stepped gently upon this land.
When your dreaming began and when, eons ago, your spirit connected with the earth in ways I can barely understand.

I was not there when the first ships came,
and where they laid claim,
to what was and always will be yours.
They did not understand.

Nor was I there when, as little children,
you were taken from land and kin,
when ties were broken as was your heart.
As well I might, I cannot fathom why.

When we finally said ‘sorry’ I was there.
Hope for healing and freedom and for Justice
We meant it. Your tears confirmed it.
Perhaps we’re beginning to understand.

And when you spoke to us all from the heart,
in gentle words of hope, deep calling to deep
you reached out; you gave your hand.
in hope of healing in this land; I was there.

The first step, that we try and try again to understand.

Reflections on NAIDOC Week 2021