H'work for w/e 19.7.21 - BARANGAROO

[Maureen K Clifford]

BARANGAROO .... Maureen Clifford © The #ScribblyBarkPoet

High on a hill and out of sight she waited for her mans return,
she waited there for Bennelong whose friendship white men had not spurned
and faintly in the distance she could hear some church bells pealing
as white sails billowed on tall ships, back from whale hunts and sealing.

The ironbark smoke from the Cammeraygal clan campfires scents the air,
as children's laughter echoed when two boys - a noisy naughty pair
of mischief makers raced through camp, yellow dogs barking at their heels
hoping to win some tasty leftovers from their just eaten meals.

The flesh of wal-lu-mai she'd caught that morning tasted fresh and sweet
enough were caught to feed her clan - for they were now quite out of meat.
Barangaroo was a provider, round the harbour quite well known
as in her simple wood canoe - she fished, and always all alone.

The shadow of the land was mimicked in her brown and dusky skin,
her nakedness worn proudly was the only dress that she was in;
and painted up with white clay with a roo bone piercing through her nose
she was a first nations woman - a woman strong, and yet composed.

She died in 1791 after bearing Bennelong's child,
His grief was inconsolable - his grieving unrestrained and wild.
Cremated with her fishing gear - Barangaroo's ashes were spread
beside the waters where she fished - Circular Quay is her deathbed.

Barangaroo reserve today, a lush green space with paths and views
sits alongside the water from where modern vessels start their cruise.
The shingle beach at Millers Cove was where Barangaroo would come
to unload her fish one by one into a purposed coolamon

Enjoy peaceful contemplation, reflect on the maturation
of this country we call home, blending all colours in one nation.
Recall those who came before. Sit upon the sandstone stairways
share the same views that they did - honour their culture, and their ways.

*** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z_ykXoi-To


Barangaroo was an Aboriginal woman from the area around North Harbour and Manly. She was a member of the Cammeraygal clan, who were considered to be the largest and most influential group of the Eora, the Aboriginal people of the Sydney coastal region one of the Cammeraygal clan who lived in and around the north harbour and Manly.


Wal-lu-mai - snapper

A coolamon is a traditional carrying vessel with curved sides.

[Terry]

Wow that was quick Maureen

I can see you have done your research well as always,
and come up with a look into this countries historical and cultural past.
Back when the waters were pristine and a different lifestyle still existed,
as it had for thousands of years.
Sadly nothing lasts forever - a very well thought out poem, with a hint of sadness, for the loss of what once was.

Terry

[Shelley Hansen]

Another little-known piece of Aussie history brought to life, Maureen - well done!

Really enjoyed it, it is an evocative read.

[Catherine Lee]

Yes Maureen, I certainly agree - there is both history and poignancy in this poem and it puts us right there in her life - really enjoyed this.

[Ron]

Well done Maureen, a good piece of well researched history!
An enjoyable read thank you.
Ron

[Maureen K Clifford]

Thank you all for you kind comments and for taking the time to read, much appreciated and glad you all seemed to enjoy the history lesson