A reasonable account of happenings that would otherwise go unrecounted
Cut by hoof, paw and thumping tail
the trail leads into shadow.
Damp grass and scrubby limbs
lay sodden and spongey.
Knots squint sideways
and grey bark
peels like old skin.
The bent grey fingers clutch
for the hopeful autumn sky.
This work was developed on the unceded lands and waterways of the Bunurong and Woi Wurrung language groups of the Eastern Kulin nations. Much of the fieldwork, including visitation, writing and documentation, was undertaken on the lands of the Yallock-Bulluk clan of the Bunurong people.
The Bunurong people are the first storytellers of these lands. Their sovereignty was never ceded. This is, and always will be Aboriginal Land.
I respectfully acknowledge the Indigenous Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging.
In terms of my position as a visitor on those lands, I state my lineage and purpose. I am Rees Quilford. I am a fourth-generation settler of Welsh-Irish descent. I am a writer, communications professional and a PhD candidate with RMIT University.
I was born and currently live on Bunurong land. I try to tread lightly, understand my place and listen to what it’s telling me.