A dedication to one of my first /Ngala / trees
Ainslie infant’s school, Canberra on Ngunnawal country -1966
Baribun / Dream
Grandmother
whispers
Listen, while I tell you a story
You came from seed
Became this meat body later
It was from seed that everything once came
Seed dropped by a passing migratory bird
loosened just at that moment
as wind lifted wings
and turbulence knocked you free
drifting to take root from across oceans onto shore
Perhaps,
You were once an apple seed,
spat out from someone as they walked along
Or an acorn bursting free to become you
Seedlings gently laid and nurtured
grown into flesh
All these are kin
Father
first gave me your name
In English
Tree
dark bark oozing red-gold resin
scribbled marks
Lichen-etched language
Vascular light filled connection
Your Roots deep
Your arms holding Sky
holding me
wrapped inside your skin
From many lands
I know your name
In so many ways
Dancing
Ceremonies
Silent unspoken songs
I come back to bring you offerings
Wrap my ageing body with your ancient skin
One day I will become your food
I ask an Ngunnawal Elder, what to call you here
She gifts me a name
Ngala,
Ngala………
Notes:
Baribun – dream (Bundjalung as told to me by family)
Ngala- Tree (gifted by Aunty Caroline Hughes – Garuliiny Ngunnawal -language holder)
© Samia Goudie, 2022
Baribun – dream (Bundjalung as told to me by family)
Ngala- Tree (gifted by Aunty Caroline Hughes – Garuliiny Ngunnawal -language holder)
© Samia Goudie, 2022
