Graveyard, Wadjemup Poem by Josephine Collett

Beneath the trees they lie

Unmarked, unnamed

Unknown strangers

Glance in passing

Would that you heard

Their shattered cry



From east and north and south they came

Despised and bound

Across the sea to Rottnest

Heartsick, alone

Never to return

Their fate unfound



Beyond the hill, the tourists

Posture and pose

Enjoy the view

Buy souvenirs and lunches

But those who visit here

So few.



Windsong and wavesong

Wash over them

Crow and gull and wren

Sing your soothing songs of love

Sheltering trees

Spread arms above

And gentle nightfall cover them.


(Author's note: reflections at the Aboriginal burial ground, Wadjemup/Rottnest Island, Western Australia) .