2019 Trephina Gorge Nature Retreat

2019 Trephina Gorge Nature Retreat – East MacDonnell Ranges

3 – 11 August, Central Australia

Camp:
Bluff Camp – Trephina Gorge

Facilitators:
Samantha Coker-Godson, Ronny Hickel

Way Back When – a lullaby by Gawain Powell Davies

A little girl is lying on a blanket with her father and mother, looking up at the stars.

Daddy, where did I come from?

You came from your mummy’s tummy. She carried you there until you were ready to be born

And did you come from your Mummy?

Yes, I came from my Mummy, and she came from her Mummy, and her Mummy’s Mummy, all the way back to Way Back When.

The little girl pondered.

Was that a long time ago, Way Back When?

Yes, a very long time ago.

And were there trees, and kangaroos and wombats Way Back When?

Yes, trees and kangaroos and wombats are all your brothers and sisters from Way Back When.

My brothers and sisters? And the big red rock up there?

That was made long before Way Back When, when the stars were young and the earth was new.

And the stars?

They are the Old Ones. They were there long before the earth was made, and they have seen everything that has happened since. Look, they can see us now.

The little girl yawned and rubbed her eyes.

It’s time for sleep.

Will you be here when I wake up?

Yes, we will be here when you wake up.

And with that the little girl rolled over and went to sleep.