Killing My Darlings

My darling Object, it pains me, but I must destroy you

My darling Collection, you are on life support, but only just

My darling Trauma, why do you refuse to die?

My darling Voices, I tried so many times to kill you this year

My darling Art, you I will save

My darling Joy, perhaps you can be resuscitated?

My darling Identity, I yearn for your death to make room for new stories

My darling Fear, I’m not sure I can live without you

My darling Death, I know I must learn to live with you as you will never die

Acknowledgement of Country

I wish to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the place I call home from whom sovereignty has never been ceded. In particular I recognise Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nations as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country on which I work and live. I recognise their long standing and continuing connection to Country, waters and community and pay my respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging. I acknowledge that I have lived my much of my life in ignorance of the rich culture and diversity of the peoples of the First Nations. While I continue to be ignorant of much of the great knowledge, understanding and spirituality of Indigenous peoples, I hope, with respect, to continue to learn and I give thanks for their willingness to help me learn. I wish also to acknowledge the great trauma and pain suffered by Indigenous peoples through the invasion of their lands and that my family and I have benefited as a result of this brutality. I humbly offer my personal apology and I hope that together and with mutual respect we can acknowledge and address the trauma brought on by colonisation and build a better future.