Aboriginal poems and poetry
Contemporary Aboriginal poetry is an important part of Aboriginal art. Many poems express how Aboriginal people feel today and their poems are about the challenges that they share with non-Indigenous people but also about Indigenous-specific problems.
The Aboriginal-owned Koori Mail newspaper regularly publishes poems written by Aboriginal people.
Aboriginal poems
Here are a few poems by Aboriginal writers. I've also added links to articles about the topics their poems refer to.
- Spirit and Belief, Bradley Flanders, NSW
- Proud Murri, Daniel Davis, QLD
- No Disgrace, Coralie Cassady, QLD
- An Elder's Passing, Jonathan Hill, NSW
- Untitled poem, Sharon Livermore, NSW
- All Walks Of Life, Sharon Roebourne, Western Australia
- Life of Sharon Roebourne, Sharon Roebourne, Western Australia
- Tribal Birth, Margaret Armstrong, Queensland
- A Song of Hope, Oodgeroo (Kath Walker)
- My Want Then and Today, B Robertson, NSW
- Kinchela (The Stolen Kids), Paul Buttigieg
- Wisdom, J E Doyle
- Shared Sunset, Jonathan Hill, NSW
- The listed servitude of roots, Curly, QLD
- Society, Dan Davis, Central QLD
- What Becomes Of Us Now, Dan Davis, Central QLD
- Mookari, Dan Davis, Central QLD - With audio!
- Moonthanguddi, Dan Davis, Central QLD - With audio!
- Indigenous All Stars, Zelda Quakawoot, QLD
- NAIDOC Assembly, Jonathan Hill, NSW
- Doing Time, Travis Eulo, NSW
- Dark Secrets, Jeanine Leane, NSW
Aboriginal poetry resources
Aboriginal poetry: Smoke Encrypted Whispers by award-winning poet Samuel Wagan Watson, are poems which 'pulse with the language and images of a mangrove-lined river city' and 'restless ancestors'.
More Indigenous poetry: Indigenous Etchings brings you a contemporary snapshot of the Aboriginal scene: Poems, short stories, interviews and photos. Save 20% now! Special offer
Poems for children: Anna The Goanna written by Jill McDougall not only covers the fun parts of Aboriginal life (such as camping and playing footy) but also more serious issues like petrol sniffing.
Special offer: 20% off!
'Indigenous Etchings' is a collection of Aboriginal poems, short stories, interviews and photos.
Save 20% on your copy!
100% Aboriginal content, produced by Aboriginal people.