Page 11 - eMuse Vol.9 No.09

HEART OF AUSTRALIA

© 2020 Brenda Joy

Winner 2020 Boree Log Award for Bush Verse,
Eastwood/Hills FAW.

From the islands, land bridges and straits to my north, Through the post-war Depression, beyond all compare
first born race to inhabit my lands, they endured effects felt global wide,
with due reverence, awed, in their tribes they came forth but they took consolation in heroes of air
to my coasts and my vast desert sands . and of sport, with developing pride.
When I taught them my secrets to help them survive, When the earth was embroiled in a second world war
their soft tread had no adverse effect. my courageous were injured or slain –
As their ‘mother’ my mountains and rocks came alive legendary encounters much nearer my shore
and they treated my gifts with respect. where their valour was proved once again.
Across oceans of conquest more came to my shores I was theirs to protect, so more people were sought
from a country of poverty’s reign. to be drawn by new migration schemes
British subjects convicted by harsh, penal laws, and from war-torn regimes they would come and they brought
much afflicted by torture and pain. skills and labour expanding their dreams .
But their spirit was strong and they found in my world In a land that was free from oppression and race
their release from the class system’s wheel. and as policies opened the way,
As the promise of emancipation unfurled they established a rich, multicultural base
they accepted my challenge with zeal. symbolising Australia today .
Then they traversed terrain – rugged slopes, mountain tops – Aborigine, convict, a seeker, a sage
till they gained the rewards of their toil. – whether born here or come from afar –
With free settlers arrived, they spread outwards with crops representing the boldest and best of their age –
and they learned to produce from my soil. that’s what brought them to where you now are.
Then when gold was discovered more came here to take Persecuted, reviled – victim, slave, refugee –
but as ‘diggers’ they bonded through need. what catastrophe caused them to come?
Their Eureka rebellion protest would make But they found a new life, unencumbered and free
for reforms of colonial creed. with the fortitude not to succumb.
Brave explorers would forge their intrepid attacks Now it’s you who can counteract foreign demands
and the telegraph followed their quest, to ensure you stay true to your creed
then a wave of adventurers journeyed their tracks and it’s you who have suffered who best understands
pioneering my north and my west. and can help support others in need .
So, the bards and the balladeers told how they strove Please keep out from my shores all the hatred and strife
with the dust and the heat and the flies, generated when sides disagree.
of the sheep that they sheared and the cattle they drove – Be united in cause. Save your blessed way of life.
of endeavours and tough enterprise. Let your tolerance keep my land free.
Till their disparate tribes federated, became It is you who must strive to uphold what I give,
a new nation enacting as one, who must weather my violent extremes,
as united, ‘Australians’ with my given name – so my children to come can continue to live
the identity ties had begun. in the beauty and peace of their dreams.
They were forged from my soil but now Empire would call, It is you who are privileged to live as a part
for the nations of Europe were torn, of a land that’s both fragile and strong
and they gave of their courage and gave of their all – where all those gone before still live on in my heart
so, the spirit of Anzac was born. for they gave so that you could belong.

September 2020 eMuse 11