barunga conversations

(12 june 1988)

cross-legged he squats demonstrating his empathy, understanding and handiwork. an old fella speaks, “draughty shelter this,” as sad eyes roam over a corrugated landscape. the compact white leader shifts his weight, “a true reconciliation is in this draft treaty.” an empty promise’s silence disperses the floating words. wind on a windless day. “listen mate. negotiations in accordance with constitutional processes will lead to committees responsible for consultation, organisation and dialogue that will culminate in expected conclusions allowing for a more self determined management with compensation for dispossession and in addition a recognition of integral national systems.” the old fella replies, “big words. long sentence.”

First written in 1988, on the occasion of the presentation of the Barunga Statement to Prime Minister Bob Hawke by Yolngu Elder Galarrwuy Yunupingu, this version was published in ‘Landmarks’ – an anthology of microlit and prose poems. Ed Cassandra Atherton. Spineless Wonders. 2017

It won the Newcastle Writers Festival/joanne burns Award, 2016, National category: Barunga Conversations, Tim Heffernan