My little gumtrees
By Hannah M
Published 28 September 2023
On Saturday morning, one was gone, on Sunday it was two
None could outrun the men, so all that were left were a few.
As the wind whistled past my ears, my mother’s voice rang out,
“Keep my little gumtrees safe, protect them from doubt”.
Into the bushes we leapt, following the pathway, step by step
Over the fence and into the water, the men came after us,
Ready for slaughter.
I wanted to fight, I wanted to flee, but all I could see were my little gumtrees.
My little gumtrees, always tall and fair, suddenly crying, small and bare
My little gumtrees plea, “Won’t you please help me”?
Long live my little gumtrees
When the gumtrees fell, the men cried out
“Long live us, we shall laugh and shout”
This is the story my auntie would tell
About the day that the little gumtrees fell
But the gumtree tale will live on
We shall forgive those that have done all wrong
Through our stories and through our art
Through our children and through our heart
Long live my little gumtrees