Dreamtime Lore
This photograph has been taken from Digital Photo Gallery of Ted Szukalski
They came with their God and their book
Told him he was outcast, naked and poor
Shunned his tucker, language and lore
Tried to bleach him
With their righteous weapons
Their guns and disease
To scrub and scour all trace
Of what had gone before…
They came, sirens blaring
And took his children away
Filling him with their poison
“It will be better this way”
Yet the cockatoos screeched
a raucous chorus of ridicule
That echoed throughout the land
For the white invaders
Could never extinguish
Spirit’s dreamtime tryst
Between
Mother country
…And this ancient man
Colleen DuBois ~ Reflections of Me 
Colleen, this is stunning! You have to submit this to a magazine. May I repost it on my website? It’s fantastic.
April 10, 2010 at 12:51 pm
Hi Sara. Thank you. It was inspired this morning from reflection on the plight of our Indigenous people and the little children I see suffering because of the generations of decimation of their culture. I’d be happy for you to republish it. Ohh, and I’ve added Sound Cloud to it…SCARY !
April 12, 2010 at 11:43 pm
I you haven’t, you ought to watch a movie called “Australia the Movie” with Stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Shows the inumanity of Occupation of another’s land and how English society tried to “civilize” an entire people, the Australian Aborigine.
You hit the bull’s eye with this masterpiece! Thanks for sharing it with the known world.
michael j
contoveros.wordpress.com
April 11, 2010 at 2:04 am
Yes I’ve seen “Australia”…it was a bit “romanticised” for my liking. Another couple of great movies that highlight the plight, past and present, of our Indigenous people are “Rabbit Proof Fence” (Director Phillip Noyce) and “Samson and Delilah” by Warrick Thornton, which has won many awards around the world. If you can find them I highly recommend both. Thanks as always for visiting and commenting. Hope you are well.
April 11, 2010 at 7:41 am
This is a very powerful and moving piece of writing, Colleen.
April 11, 2010 at 8:06 am
Thanks Paul. In my region of Australia, the plight of the Indigenous people is more visible than in other areas so it is something I contemplate often. Sadly, many of the children I work within in the child protection system are suffering due to the decimation of their culture and family life. It is a massive problem that unfortunately many people choose to stick their heads in the sand about.
April 11, 2010 at 8:38 am
Great poem, Colleen. A sad reminder in well written lines. The image is perfect for the piece. Enjoyed. Have a great week!
April 12, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Thanks Adam. Yes the photo is perfect and sad in itself. I see the hurt yet strong dignity in the elder’s expression. Glad you enjoyed it. Hope you’re having a great week too.
April 12, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Interesting view of “Dreamtime Lore” 🙂
I watched few movies with aborigine!
Very interesting stories and lifes too!
Thank you for share it,dear friend!!
Enjoy the moment!!! 🙂
April 13, 2010 at 4:45 am
Hi Alina, If you are interested in learning more about the story of the Australian Aboriginals, two movies I’d recommend are “Rabbit Proof Fence” (Director Phillip Noyce) and “Samson and Delilah” (directed by Warrick Thornton). Thanks for commenting 🙂
April 13, 2010 at 8:57 am
Thank you for the sugestions,dear friend!! 😉
I will watch it!! 🙂
My curiosity is big to know more about it! 🙂
Enjoy your day!!! 🙂
April 14, 2010 at 6:49 am
Brilliant words. 🙂
April 14, 2010 at 12:43 am
Thank you !
April 14, 2010 at 8:51 am
Colleen,
The same sad story applies our own Native Americans.
Very sensitive and well written.
Bob
April 17, 2010 at 12:52 am
Thank you Bob. Yes, I’m sure the experience is universal amongst Indigenous peoples.
April 17, 2010 at 8:36 pm
I agree the poem and picture well matched… and that the story is similar across the world… good to see people out to expose the past present and futre of inhumanity. I always enjoy my visits here!
April 20, 2010 at 6:38 am
Hi Cindy, I’m so pleased you enjoy visiting and my words. Nice to see you !
April 28, 2010 at 6:01 pm
It’s an old, old story well-told.
A nice, short, educational piece, Colleen!
April 25, 2010 at 6:40 am
Hey UT. Glad you appreciated it !
April 28, 2010 at 6:01 pm
This is wonderful…You should be so proud of yourself. All of your work is truly inspiring! Thank you for sharing your gift with me!
Cheers!
May 7, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Hi ! Thank you for your supportive words and welcome to Reflections of Me.
May 8, 2010 at 4:19 pm
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Colleen, I was incredibly moved by this piece. It spoke to a very deep place that I think must exist in all of us… a place that will not, cannot be denied no matter the tyranny (whether from the voices within or the forces of supposed righteousness without). Brilliant work.
February 11, 2011 at 8:15 am