Yes

The word YES spoken is different to the word written or even read aloud.

I haven’t written about how much Aboriginal people, culture, philosophy, the whole shebang means to me.

It has radically altered my personal perspective.

It has radically challenged the pencil thin perspective of my English Grammar School education.

It has radically challenged my understanding of the English Language.

It has changed me.

I had the honour, and trust me I don’t really use that word. It’s perhaps the first time in my life I’ve meant it enough to use it.

I had the honour of a chat with one of my biggest heroes, the Aboriginal Songman Kev Carmody.

I don’t know what to say

In this written context.

He showed me the power of the oral poet, when for years I’d belittled it, as my tertiary education and class/sub-class does.

I believe now

In the power of the oral.

It’s become my main medium.

The written stuff I do,

Is because people tend to read more closely than they listen –

Amongst my class/sub-class.

But

As the oral is circular,

As breath is,

I repeat:

The spoken YES,

OR I should add,

The sung YES

Is the correct and true affirmation.

The white man’s law doesn’t get this.

That is why his law is so life impoverished,

And to borrow from Martin Heidegger:

“Thought Poor.”

Strange,

Coming from a rich guy.

Not Heidegger,

The Australian Lawmaker.

Mel From Melbourne - Music & Words