The Aboriginal Cricketer
Mid-9th Century
The Aboriginal Cricketer - meaning Summary
Stoic Performance Under Scrutiny
The poem addresses an Aboriginal cricketer amid colonial scrutiny, urging him to perform within the colonizers' rules and maintain a composed, dignified front. The speaker warns that deviation or visible distress might be read as dangerous otherness or witchcraft, so the player should keep his character, fend off attacks, and make leaving seem difficult. It frames sporting conduct as survival and social negotiation under power and prejudice.
Read Complete AnalysesGood-looking young man in your Crimean shirt with your willow shield up, as if to face spears, you're inside their men's Law, one church they do obey; they'll remember you were here. Keep fending off their casts. Don't come out of character. Like you they suspect idiosyncrasy of witchcraft. Above all, don't get out too easily, and have to leave here where all missiles are just leather and come from one direction. Keep it noble. Keep it light.
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