Poetry through old eyes
by Greg Martin
They came from far and wide to pay homage to Uncle Wes Marne when the great man launched his book of poems , Through Old Eyes , at the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre early last month . The 109 poems in the opus are centred on the revered Aboriginal elder ’ s long life in this place .
For Uncle Wes , who featured in these pages as our Blacktown ’ s Finest subject in the May edition , it had been a memorable couple of weeks .
On April 25 , he celebrated his 100th birthday and one of his surprise “ presents ” was being handed the Key to the City by Blacktown Mayor , Tony Bleasdale and Federal Member for Chifley , Ed Husic .
Among those who attended the book launch was esteemed multi-media personality and proud Wiradjuri man , Stan Grant , who told the gathered throng that he valued his friendship with Uncle Wes which spanned two decades .
Others invited to the podium to share their love and respect for Uncle Wes were revered Aboriginal elders , Uncle Greg Simms , who performed a Welcome ceremony , and Auntie Edna Watson , Chief Inspector Bob Fitzgerald of Blacktown Police , Tony Bleasdale and the State Member for Blacktown , Stephen Bali .
When it came time for Uncle Wes to take his turn at the microphone , as he walked to the podium , he was given a prolonged standing ovation by the more than 200 guests . Uncle Wes told the assembly that he wrote his book of poems 30 years ago and that each of the 109 poems
Uncle Wes Marne had much delight in autographing his book of poetry for an equally delighted Michelle Trindall from Erskineville .
depicted a small part of his life . Your writer will leave you with one of the poems , Uncle
Wes recited while on the microphone – Mother Earth . It applies to all our mums !
Through Old Eyes is published by Blackbooks , a division of Tranby Aboriginal Cooperative Limited , is distributed by NewSouth Books and is available in all bookstores across Australia as well as online
Mother Earth by UNCLE WES MARNE
He is the ultimate hunter A bushman without fear Nothing is safe when he is hunting With his ancient woomera and spear But what of the one who goes with him The one who walks in his tracks Usually with one child behind her And another on her back ?
With a coolamon under her strong arm A dillybag wound round her waist She wanders along carefully gathering Their food in a perpetual chase
She wanders along searching Gathering food for making bread Looking and digging for ripening yams To be cooked in the camp ahead .
At dusk she builds their shelter And prepares the evening food Always busy moving around There is always something to do .
Next time you look at a picture Of a warrior of the land Look for the one behind him For the one who is always at hand .
She is the ternal companion The one you rarely see And she is the one that life goes on She and the children at her knee .
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 15 // JUNE 2022 9