Reviews

Spirit Song: A Collection of Aboriginal Poetry by Archie Weller, Jack Davis, Tony, Barbara Armytage, Leanne B., Leila D. Rankine, George Tinamin, Lorraine Mafi-Williams, Margaret Brusnahan, Ruby Langford Ginibi, Jim Everett, Daisy Utemorrah, Papunya School, Michelle Lewis, Alison Gurramu, T.A. Whitebeach, Oodgeroo, Hyllus Maris, W. Les Russell, Eva Johnson, Mick Manolis, Robert Walker, Irene James Napurrurla, Budger Davison, Mary Duroux, Bob Randall, Gundy Graham, Obed Ragget, Kevin Gilbert, Christopher Gren, Writcharuki Theatre Company, Iris Clayton, Rex Marshall, Bobbi Skyes, Buck McKenzie, Jimmy Chi

kimswhims's review

4.0

I really liked this collection of poetry from indigenous writers.
In the editor's obit, this collection was cited as being the first anthology of Aboriginal poetry. If true, and I have no reason to believe it isn't, I find that astounding that it took until 1993 for a collection to be compiled.
It is also said to be contemporary poems for children, not sure if I would consider them all suitable for children, but it is definitely appropriate for an adult or young adult.
I'll certainly be looking for more of these indigenous poets work and it's one I'll keep in my collection to read again.
Highlights for me were Oodgeroo's (formerly Kath Walker) poems, Margaret Brusnahan's poems and Jimmy Chi & Mick Manolis' "Bran Nue Day". "Bran Nue Day" eventually became the title song for the renowned musical and film.

"....We've nothing old, and nothing new
Want us to be like you.
We've no future and no past
Hope to see the sun at last."
(exert from Bran Nue Day)