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'Love and Tradition' by Ellen van Neerven | States of Poetry Queensland - Series One

by
States of Poetry Queensland - Series One

'Love and Tradition' by Ellen van Neerven | States of Poetry Queensland - Series One

by
States of Poetry Queensland - Series One

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

Recording

Comment (1)

  • Thank you for this poem.
    My mind cannot grasp the meaning, but my heart does.
    My heart does, and I am moved to tears.
    Posted by Rowena McGregor
    09 July 2020

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