Ngurambang by Dr Sarah Jane Springer

Country to me is many things:

a life force, an energy, a place to be in body and spirit.

Country is for relaxing the mind and filling my cup.

For decluttering the thoughts and scattering the burdens.

Country is for ceremony, for sacredness,

for demarcated time without disruption.

On Country, I look and truly see.

On Country, I listen and genuinely hear.

On Country, I speak only when necessary.

Country is where my traditional language truly makes sense.

It’s like an ocean when I only need a stream.

A hot sauna on a cold winter’s day.

A long hug in the direst time of need.

Country is always there,

It’s Mother, to be revered and respected.

Country cares for me,

and I am but one part of the whole.