[D’après François Villon’s Ballade ‘Frères humains qui après nous vivez’, 1489]
Sisters among whom I’ve enjoyed living, Those of you whose words I have read and heard, Women who ponder the choices we have, My daughters (and those later born of them), Sisters be aware, you are role models Forget the crude jests and crass abuses That mocked you and your personal beliefs The Uluru call was a people’s cry Own your power and claim: kulila*! People, be humane: listen to the voice.
Australians, your First Peoples have spoken Asking for their growth to be supported, Calls for survival have remained unheard Can’t we offer them the chance of progress? Ignore the put-downs rebukes and the likes Yesterday we closed and maintained silence, We switched off the news, respecting elders Let’s be heard again, speak for a fair go! Grant the First Peoples what they ask: be just! People, be humane: listen to the voice.
And you good reader, wishing to alleviate The First People’s needs in healthier days, You who plan ahead devising programs For a better life, take a step: be kind! People, be humane: listen to the voice.
*kulila: means ‘listen!’ in Pitjantjatjara language in the APY lands
When I say I like Jazz people ask me; ‘Which type? and Who is your favourite?’ It’s tempting to say the Blues and Ray Charles, Traditional Jazz with Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman or Popular Jazz like Gershwin’s Summertime. But I favour Early Swing and the repertoire of soloists like trumpetist Louis Armstrong, and of saxophonist Ragtime player Sidney Bechet. What appeals to me most in swing is off-beat music that has a free flow, spontaneity and vocalisation. Armstrong also cooperated with Ella Fitzgerald. The famous pieces I love are, C’est si bon, Petite Fleur and Oh, Lady Be Good!
Put things off? I don’t. I move instantly. I improvise and wing it. I get on well with people. At a friend’s I tidy up her magazines by date. I insist she gets rid of some. Then we both burst out laughing over last year’s horoscope and we have fun.
What’s my worst feature? Telling stories, is one, I ramble and have no sense of timing when I share a joke. My abrupt ending comes too soon and nobody gets it. I may well get a sympathetic smile, but there’s a catch: people aren’t sure what to make of me.
International Mother Language Day | United Nations
The Mother Language is the first language we’ve known and we identify with. It’s also called the First or Principal language. Education in the mother language means that instruction is made in that language, which is also taught as a subject. In bilingual education two languages are used for instruction.
No need to be edgy; no tripping on jokes, say it straight. No need for a silent pause; no puzzling over context, burst into laughter. No need to be tongue-tied; no hesitation choosing a word, just verbalise it.
Once a man offered to read my palm. I refused saying
I didn’t believe in palmistry. Besides, I feared I’d be
influenced by his predictions, therefore might ensure
the events took place.
My life has whirled in several directions. Time for a
quick review.
I am, now, in Australia because I met someone who
could get a job here. I wonder if after a prediction that
I’d live overseas I’d have planned to emigrate only to
find I couldn’t get a visa. Or, what if I met a handsome
man that didn’t want to travel?
Yayi's Paroles 
You must be logged in to post a comment.