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  3. Mortar

Mortar

By Jeb B

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Published 24 September 2019


The mortar is dark as night
But shiny as brass
Reflecting the light
Like a pane of glass

The rings inside
Set in stone
Trying to hide
Just to be alone

A life of grinding
An undead worker
Never dying
A cupboard lurker

So that’s why
He’s part of the kitchen
He’ll never die


Project

Poetry Object 2019

Author

  • Jeb B

    Reddam House Middle School
    Year 7
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Red Room Poetry acknowledges the Elders and Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, sky and languages where we work, live and write. We are grateful to collaborate with First Nations people and aim to respectfully follow protocols as we move across Country.


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Ngurambang yali – Country speaks
~ Jeanine Leane

It’s been too long since I sat on granite in my
Country and thought

Too many years since I breathed this air—
Bunyi-ng—ganha
Felt this dirt—Ngamanhi Dhaagun
Smelt this dust—Budha—nhi Bunan

Listened for the sounds of her words that say
‘Balandha—dhuraay Bumal-ayi-nya Wumbay
abuny (yaboing)’—History does not have the
first claim. Nor the last word.
Nghindhi yarra dhalanbul ngiyanhi gin gu 
‘You can speak us now!’

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