Ethan Bell
2560
~ Dharawal interpretation provided by Jodi Edwards
Mingang Budjari
been a long time since I nandhi you in the neighbourhood
Still kicking at the same spots
the cycle remains the same
djardjarbulalwala light pipes
in reverse of needles to the vein.
out of the pan
who’s to blame
forever chained in this society
gunji know nganung Njindigang by names,
grudges like rust
holding on to gabar colonial rivalries
the Bangawan yuwinj
are down Dharagang-dha
raking up for a sip
crows’ feet stamp
weary miilali
passing round the final nip
pour-out the honors for the Bangawan midhang Nganung Nangga
pour-out the honors for Nirang Budbud,
the reckless and strong
we won’t gali, to the drum of their beat
we gali, to clapstick and song
English
What’s good
been a long time since I seen you in the neighbourhood
Still kicking at the same spots
the cycle remains the same
brothers light pipes
in reverse of needles to the vein.
out of the pan
who’s to blame
forever chained in this society
coppers know you by names,
grudges like rust
holding on to colonial rivalries
the Old Fellas
are down over by the way
raking up for a sip
crows’ feet stamp
weary eyes
passing round the final nip
pour-out the honors for the old ones who sleep
pour-out the honors for young hearts,
the reckless and strong
we won’t dance, to the drum of their beat
we dance, to clapstick and song
Dharawal translations provided by Aunty Jodi Edwards.