Would, Could, Should
By Megan Wilding
my Sister would always tell me
that she loved my
Curly Hair
and
Flat Nose
and Freckle Spotted Face
because they were beautiful
and I believed her
my Mum would always tell me
that I was
Smart
and
Brave
and Capable
of doing anything I put my mind to
and I believed her
my Aunty would always tell me
that I came from a line of
Caring
and Strong
Warrior Women
and I always have their support
and I believed her
my Nan would always tell me
that the strength of
My People
And
My Ancestors
and My Land
is in my Blood and Spirit
and I believed her
my Land would always tell me
that I was
Home
and
Safe
and that I was Hers
no questions asked
and I believed her
So how can I?
No.
How do you-
yes, you
how do you-
Racist
White
Gubba
Man
Invader of lands
With blood coloured hands
your list of commands
Ever think that I
Would
Could
Should
accept your lies
hate
apologies
promises to never do it again?
When you have called everyone I believe a liar and wanted them dead?
Why would I ever believe you?