Ganyila
By Nicole Smede
Published 19 June 2023
Djurrga
An ancient womb
enfolds dungga gunang
warang
a rumbling energy
calls within
entering
an infinite time
wanyimbuwanyimbu birrama
behind
and forward
and lost
past singing
in future,
future seeded
in warra ngaya.
in past
blood energy
around and within
a core
Wakul birriwal,
crawling further
birriwal ganyila
and silent in marruy
in silence and marruy
closer
bugbungga the butjung
Deep learnings,
yii.
seed the future
sing in past.
Murray
Trust
embrace ngarra
unfold wandha ngarra-yn
where light gamba
encourages. gamba and gari
going.
Keep going
keep going
keep.
Note: This piece is essentially two poems that are designed to be read together; to intersect and become one. The merging of present and past; cultural knowing and relearning; overcoming and trust.
Gathang interpretations guided from A Grammar and Dictionary of Gathang: the language of the Birrbay, Guringay and Warrimay by Amanda Lissarrague.
English translation
Entering
An ancient womb
enfolds know
trepidation
a rumbling energy
calls within
entering
an infinite time
all times tremble
behind
and forward
and lost
past singing
in future,
future seeded
in mother's womb.
in past
blood energy
around and within
a core
Warrior,
crawling further
become brave
and silent in silence
in silence and silent
closer
kiss the dark
Deep learnings,
here.
seeded the future
sing in past.
Within
Trust
embrace listen
unfold where listening
where light calls
encourages. invites and ushers
going.
Keep going
keep going
keep.