I Sang a Song of You

Aboriginal dream art: Maureen Nampajimpa

In some ancient cultures, when a woman wants a baby

She will go to a quiet place and listen

For the sound, the name of the spirit
That wants to be born into her life.

When she hears the name, she makes a song
That she will go home and sing to her lover,
That they will sing together, as they make love
To invite the baby, the spirit to join them in this life.

As she awaits the birth, she sings this song
To teach the baby her name, show her she is wanted.
At the birth, the midwives and father sing this name song
To welcome the spirit to this life.

When the child is hungry, or falls down, or feels sad
Takes her first step, and for other joyful events
Her marriage, the birth of her child, and then, for the last time
As she is returned to heaven and earth at her death,
Her song is sung, so she will know she is wanted,
That she is loved, that she belongs
And that she alone is she.

From the silence of the mountains
With the music of the mata
I sang a song of you.

see Maureen Nampajimpa's art at: http://www.desertdreams.com.au/Desert_Dreams_Exhibition.php