Poem

Ali Cobby Eckermann

Side by side

Original language

Shells

Shells

Shells

in an aisle
of middens
he blocks her
advance
they laugh
as they prepare
for war
his shiny shell
embellished spear
in hand
watching her
body paint
in white ochre
her breasts
her stomach
her thighs
glisten white
on alabaster
skin
soon to turn
red.

© 2010, Ali Cobby Eckermann
From: Kami
Publisher: Vagabond Press, Sydney

Ali Cobby Eckermann

Ali Cobby Eckermann

(Australia, 1963)

Ali Cobby Eckermann is a Yankunytjatjara / Kokatha kunga (woman) born on Kaurna land in 1963. As a baby Ali was adopted into the Eckermann family. After failed attempts she was assisted by Link Up to find her mother Audrey, and four years later her son Jonnie. Her journey was supported by many members of the Stolen Generations. She regularly visits her traditional family in rural and rem...

Countries

Discover other poems and poets from Australia

Poems Poets

Languages

Discover other poems and poets in English

Poems Poets

Poems

Poems of Ali Cobby Eckermann

2 Pelicans

Ali Cobby Eckermann

Wild Flowers

Ali Cobby Eckermann

One Child Two Child Wailing and Wild

Ali Cobby Eckermann

Intervention Payback

Ali Cobby Eckermann

Grade One Primary

Ali Cobby Eckermann

Ribbons

Ali Cobby Eckermann

Shells

Ali Cobby Eckermann

Town Camp

Ali Cobby Eckermann

A Parable

Ali Cobby Eckermann

Ayers Rock / Uluru

Ali Cobby Eckermann

Close

Shells

in an aisle
of middens
he blocks her
advance
they laugh
as they prepare
for war
his shiny shell
embellished spear
in hand
watching her
body paint
in white ochre
her breasts
her stomach
her thighs
glisten white
on alabaster
skin
soon to turn
red.

From: Kami

Shells

Sponsors