Torture by Alice Walker

To me this poem speaks of social action and the commitment and determination that I have seen in so many activists over the years, and that I too aspire to in my own life. For those of you who have never read any of Alice Walker’s books or poems (she was of course, the author of the wonderful book The Colour Purple) she is a must on any reading list!

TORTURE – Alice Walker

When they torture your mother

Plant a tree

When they torture your father

Plant a tree

When they torture your brothers and sisters

Plant a tree

Whey they assassinate your leaders and lovers

Plant a tree

Whey they torture you too bad to talk

Plant a tree

When they begin to torture the trees and cut down the forest you have made

Start another

I acknowledge the Jagera and Turrbul peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which I live and work. I pay my deepest respects to their Elders past and present. I acknowledge the importance of continuing connection to Country, culture, family and community to the social and emotional wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait people. I acknowledge sovereignty of this land was never ceded.