Greeting

Upon a steep ascent

we sat down

on aged moss rocks,

in stillness –

untroubled

Once the noon sun departed

from our view,

gum trees began to sway,

grounds pulsated

shadows hurried –

barely touching

a carpet of fallen leaves

Like an echo

of a thousand voices

a wind,

spoke to us –

in an ancient

tribal tongue

And Sherbrooke forest

sent

a welcoming greeting

We, the newcomers

from distant shores

rose to our feet

in awe … silent …

Paying respect

to the first

hunters and gatherers,

who were here long –

before our time

To the spirits

of the Wurundjeri people,

feeling honoured –

to be in their company

(C) Dinka Bednjacic, 2019