Nothing But A Peep: Poem

Ngulliboo (All Of Us) by Holly Sanders 

At Yarn we aim to celebrate the culture of First Nations Australians. While our focus here is on visual art and fashion design, we recognise that there are many avenues in which a person can artistically express their connection to country. One such avenue is through the use of poetry. This week we have decided to share with you the poem ‘Nothing But A Peep.’

Nothing But A Peep

By: Hannah Jane

I am, nothing but a peep.
A sound, a voice, a whisper.
An echo before time.

The patterns, the rhythms, the dances.
I am the archives of our history.
I am the stories in the stars.

I am the ancestors.
I am the dreaming.
I am, nothing but a peep.

I was here from creation,
As the spirits walked the lands.
I was here for assimilation,
When it was taken from our hands.
I will be here, when we rise up,
And take our place once more.
I am the cry of all our voices.
Together, we make a mighty roar.

I am, nothing but a peep.
A sound, a voice, a whisper.

I am the song of creation.
I am the spirits walking.
I am the praises on our tongues.
I am the breath in our lungs.

I am our history.
I am our culture.
I am.

A sound, a voice, a whisper.
I am, nothing but a peep.

Written by Aboriginal Palawa woman and Yarn writer Hannah Jane, the poem projects a moving and powerful message that captures an essence of Indigenous culture and everlasting hope. The poem is written from the perspective of an observer of time and history. The recurring phrase ‘Nothing but a peep’ is not in reference to an individual, but is a representation of the idea that "not all is lost" and there is still something out there relating First Nations stories through the land. In the fourth stanza of the poem the verses state “I will be here, when we rise up, and take our place once more.” While this could be taken literally, it is intended to reference an inner and social reclamation and acknowledgement of First Nations history and culture. It is about finding one's place, land and home again, and is in reference to regaining a connection to country collectively as a community. The verse represents First Nations people reclaiming not only their history but living freely in unity with the land, ancestors and people once again. It signifies the moment of no longer being lost souls walking the earth far from the paths of Elders, but having found the roads etched in the soil once more.

Through the use of art, fashion and similar mediums such as poetry First Nations people have the ability to continue to reclaim and express the stories of their people and culture. Yarn aims to be a platform that continues to empower the Indigenous community and celebrate the rich culture of First Nations people through fashion and design.