Apology Accepted When

Do you hear what was done Those years ago under the Australian sun We came to what we were told Was an empty land for the bold Some had no choice as a convicts fall When their sentence was at the old Bailey’s call Free settlers paid their way here too Thinking it was all for them to do So hardships were worked through Making a life for their family too But some were pushed aside Making their lives hard to abide The Australian Parliament has apologised For the way First Nations were treated and ostracised So time marches on with some bridges mended But it seems the progress isn’t good or as fast as intended So now we go from one issue to the next Leaving Australians so perplexed How many times do we need to go through it again I wonder when will this all find an end? © Paul Warren Poetry