Poems

Heart and Soul

A poem by Michael Thompson, Mackay, QLD

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Last updated: • 2 min read
Author: Jens Korff
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The integrity of Aboriginal women
Always carries 
The pride of her nation
Through thick and thin
She may always be called 
A gin
Not even that 
Will make her sin
She does not come 
From a throw away society
In Australia
My mother always will have…
A.B.oriGINality
Individual freedom and spiritual belonging.

Michael dedicated this poem to Aboriginal women from the Stolen Generations. Thank you for sharing, Michael!

Homework: Reflect on the poem

  • Find out what a 'gin' is and how this name was used in the past. Would you use it today?
  • What do you think the author refers to when he says "Not even that / will make her sin"?
  • Note the wordplay in the second last line. Can you find a word you can play with in a similar fashion?

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Cite this page

Korff, J 2020, Heart and Soul, <https://stage.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/arts/poems/heart-and-soul>, retrieved 8 November 2024

Creative Spirits is a starting point for everyone to learn about Aboriginal culture. Please use primary sources for academic work.

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