Old Girl

Old Girl Old Girl eyes draw me on first sight
Pulling me close into her presence
I know Old Girl I seen her before
My Aunty My Nanna My Cousin
Her eyes have seen much
The sadness and pain
Wrapped tightly within the
Coloniser’s cruel practices
Yet Old Girl stands firm
Strong presence despite inside turmoil
Pushed deep into a place
Where no one can use
Enough has been done already
To her, her people and her country
Moving forward in life with
Affection respect and loyalty
From those who value her
Old Girl is missed
When those who have a need
For her comfort security laughter
Wisdom guidance or just
For being Old Girl in sight
Her place has not been shifted
Her place has just taken a detour
Even if the country around her has
She was there for them little ones
Even though she may have lost her own
When they cried for mummy and daddy
Old Girl gave them the strength to move
Forward into the unknown life awaiting
Her smile and mischievousness
Delights the young ones and others
For the harshness of the world
Is softened tolerable and strengthened
With Old Girl around.