Corroboree - Nola Gregory

I can hear the chanting

Of the language loud and clear

I can hear them singing

Without prejudice or fear

And the dust slowly rises

To the sound of stomping feet

It’s like a pulse inside me

I feel each and every beat

 

Proudly they are dancing

To an ancient age old song

Adorned with precious ochre

As they move and sing along

The old men sit cross legged

In the red pindan dust

Tapping sticks and boomerangs

Beating strong and robust

 

There is no explanation

For what I feel inside

As I stand there watching

I am full of Aboriginal pride

The freedom on their faces

Is a sight to behold

As they stamp their feet

You can hear the storylines unfold 

 

Their voices are so haunting

As you listen to them sing

Rising on the swirling winds

It’s the most powerful thing

I am mesmerised by the dancers

As they jump and twirl and grind

It’s something that has stuck with me

It’s emblazoned in my mind

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Nola Gregory (20th century) Australia

Source: Creative Spirits