Yali's Poem Pt. 1

My dearest Elders, it is because of you that I hold my head high, that I strive to be a better Yinaa (woman). It is the struggles you have each overcome that allow me to achieve what I do today. It is because of each of you that I have the resilience, the fighting spirit and the fire within my belly to make the world a better and safer place for all our people worldwide.

It is because of you that I can … It is because of you that I believe that I can ... It is because of you that I am …

I say I cannot do what must be done for our people. You say, “I believe in you and of course you can”.

I say I cannot be wise, intelligent or brave enough to be a voice for our people. You say, “I believe in you and of course you can”.

I say my skin is not black enough to make the difference of who I aspire to be. You say, “You are a Wiradjuri/Dharawhal woman, your skin colour does not matter, your voice, spirit and heart do”. You say, “I believe in you and of course you can”.

I say I can never measure up to those brave Ancestor women of mine and what they have fought for. You say, “I believe in you and of course you can”.

You remind me time and time again of who I come from and of who I really am.

I say I do not believe I have the ability to make a difference and influence. You say, “I believe in you and of course you can”.

I say my voice is not loud enough to be heard. You say, “Your voice is your secret weapon; your ability is to whisper and be heard” You say, “I believe in you and of course you can”.

You remind me time and time again of who I come from and of who I really am.

I say I am but only one person, asking if I can really make a difference. You say to take one step at a time. You say, “I believe in you and of course you can”.

I say I am frightened I can’t be the person that all believe that I can be. You say, “I believe in you and of course you can”.

I say that I do not know why you continue to stick by me and believe in me, as I do not. You say, “I believe in you and of course you can”. You remind me time and time again of who I really am.

You remind me time and time again of who I really am. Now I believe I can, Oh I believe I can, yes I believe what you say of me. Oh, how I now I believe can.

Yali Windle,

Wiradjuri and Dharawhal Woman