Vonda Stanley's collection of early Australian bush poems

 

 

Son of Mine (To Denis)

 

My son, your troubled eyes search mine,

Puzzled and hurt by colour line.

Your black skin as soft as velvet shine;

What can I tell you, son of mine?

I could tell you of heartbreak, hatred blind,

I could tell you of crimes that shame mankind,

Of brutal wrong and deeds malign,

Of rape and murder, son of mine;

But I'll tell you instead of brave and fine

When lives of black and white entwine,

And men in brotherhood combine--

This would I tell you, son of mine.

 

Kath Walker, Oodgeroo Noonuccal

Born 1920, is an Aboriginal poet and vigorous spokeswoman for her people.

 

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