States of Poetry - Poems
'Love and Tradition' by Ellen van Neerven | States of Poetry Queensland - Series One
by Ellen van Neerven •
for Aunty Nancy Bamaga
rising sea
takes and
breaks into backyards
to trouble families
we cannot live
with the seas in our bellies
we cannot rest
with the sea at our legs
the tide
is coming
to stroke
our dead
we want to know
who unplugged
our island
of childhood
island
of love and tradition
let them see
what has gone under
Ellen van Neerven
Comment (1)
My mind cannot grasp the meaning, but my heart does.
My heart does, and I am moved to tears.
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