yes I said yes I will Yes.

Because I have googled.

Because it is simply recognition,
and an advisory body on Indigenous issues.
Nothing sinister, no veto powers.
It’s legislatively arranged, thus democratic.
Adaptive. Evolving. Pragmatic.

Because Jesus does not presume but asks,
What do you want me to do for you?
and over 80% of Aboriginal people reply,
Listen. Please listen.

Because the status quo isn’t working
and White expertise isn’t helping
and Blak solutions need elevating.

Because naysayers can be so spittle-flecked angry
huddled around barbecues burning flags
threatening librarians who read books to kids
marching against Muslims and gays and love
spewing hate at my Indigenous friends.

Because I trust in the graciousness of Bruce, Noel and Stan
over billionaire rants and ‘I don’t like it’ Pauline.

Because one campaign is leading with Please;
the other, with lies and confusion,
and the ones who say it’ll be divisive
tore people apart over marriage equality
and are confounding the country on climate.

Because when a Voice cries out in the wilderness,
we prepare the way with justice:
and this does not mean disproportionate incarceration
but urgent structural reform.

Because Yes means relief vs anger,
while No means triumph over devastation.

Because I want to sit with grandmothers in the desert
and know the power of dadirri,
of listening deeply with the heart, to the heart.

Because everything and everyone is connected.
When you suffer, the whole world weeps.
When you thrive, we all do.

Because No is our current reality,
and I want something more.

Because I want to be a person who says
Yes! to flourishing
Yes! to newness
Yes! to possibility
Yes! to life.

Because I choose love, not fear,
and only one path seems open to joy.

And those are just a few of the reasons I will be voting Yes! on Saturday. With apologies to James Joyce for horribly misappropriating Molly Bloom’s inner monologue as she lies in bed awaiting her beloved.

For a more formal Biblical reflection on Joshua, Jesus, and the Voice Referendum, go here.

Share this:

Related