The Universe
By Agastya, Year 4
The Universe was turning on.
The planets came, the sun rose, the birds came barragi (to fly), the dolphins came to dive and bambigi (to swim).
The penguins came yanhagagi (to hike).
The animals came gindaymani (to have fun/play).
The snails came out of their shells yindyanga yanga (to walk slowly).
But soon it was time for moon time.
It was time for the universe guwabigi (to rest).
So the universe turned off and the cycle of the universe
keeps
on
repeating.
I paid attention to the movements around me: not just with my eyes but with my
entire being.
I noticed a narranarradyirang (flower). It waved to me with its blade.
Whoosh! – the sound it made while it was waving to me.
It first took me to a biyal (gum tree). It got some gumnuts for me, but I did not need them.
So I went back
home, and on the way I saw a yuyang (red tailed black cockatoo).
It gave me an apple and a giraang (leaf) on top, but still nothing special.
I could hear a mosquito, a mugany, it said hello to me.
Finally, I came to understand that all of the natural elements
were trying to be friends with me.
This poem by Agastya, was written as a part of Oz Odyssey. In this workshop series, students are asked to imagine they recieve a call to action from a natural element. They are asked to go on an adventure through Wiradjuri Country, Ngarrindjeri Country and Kunwinjku Country, where they are given an opportunity to learn about the land, the history and the wonderful First Nations languages. Throughout their journey of self-discovery, the students ultimately learn what home is, and what makes it special to them. We hope you enjoy their stories.