Paul Andrews Poet Free verse

The Dora Dora Station Massacre

In 1836, a posse of brave European settlers 
Riding horses, armed with muskets 
Brutally killed 12 Wiradjuri men, women and children 
Can you remind me who the uncivilised ones were?

It all happened not far from my home 
Where the kookaburras laugh high in the gum trees
Bodies piled up and burned like rubbish 
Can you remind me who the uncivilised ones were?

It was rough justice they said 
For the killing of two white settlers by Wiradjuri warriors 
But dirty little secrets can’t be kept forever 
Can you remind me who the uncivilised ones were?

Courage, bravery, wisdom and love 
Maybe we can learn these things 
From the traditional owners of the land.

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Alison A Smith July 1, 2026 at 6:31 AM I am with you. The massacre of tribes of first nation people was something that settlers and police can not be proud of. The taking of children and making them scrub themselves white. The using of first nation women for their delights then throwing of cliffs. Australian settlers and many who have come since have a lot to answer for. Some of these things are still happening. Paul Andrews July 1, 2026 at 4:44 PM Thanks for your comment, Alison. The University of Newcastle website showing a map of Aboriginal massacre sites is a good resource. https://c21ch.newcastle.edu.au/colonialmassacres/map.php Also any books by Henry Reynolds are highly recommended. Cheers, Paul.