Poem Analysis - We Are Going

Initial Impression and Tone

Oodgeroo Noonuccal's "We Are Going" presents a poignant and reflective tone, capturing the displacement and loss experienced by Indigenous Australians. The poem begins with a somber and subdued mood, describing a group of Indigenous people returning to their ancestral lands, only to find them altered and occupied by white settlers. The tone shifts to one of defiance and assertion of identity, as the speakers reclaim their heritage and assert their belonging to the land. The final lines return to a melancholic tone, acknowledging the inevitable loss and change.

Historical and Cultural Context

Oodgeroo Noonuccal, an Australian Aboriginal activist and poet, wrote this poem in the context of the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and recognition in Australia. The poem reflects the historical displacement of Indigenous peoples from their traditional lands and the cultural erosion caused by colonization. The references to the bora ground, corroboree, and Dream Time are significant cultural elements of Indigenous Australian life, highlighting the deep connection to the land and ancestral traditions.

Themes of Displacement and Loss

The primary theme of "We Are Going" is the displacement and loss experienced by Indigenous Australians. The poem describes the physical and cultural displacement of the Indigenous people, who are now "strangers" in their own land. The imagery of the "semi-naked band subdued and silent" and the "Notice of the estate agent reads: 'Rubbish May Be Tipped Here'" underscores the degradation and disrespect shown to their ancestral sites. The repeated phrase "We are going" emphasizes the inevitable loss of their cultural heritage and way of life.

Themes of Cultural Identity and Belonging

Another central theme is the assertion of cultural identity and belonging. Despite the loss and displacement, the speakers assert their deep connection to the land and their cultural heritage. They identify themselves with the natural elements and cultural practices of their ancestors, such as the "corroboree and the bora ground" and the "old ceremonies, the laws of the elders." This theme is reinforced by the defiant statement "We belong here, we are of the old ways," which asserts their rightful place in the land and their enduring cultural identity.

Themes of Nature and the Past

The poem also explores the theme of nature and the past, highlighting the interconnectedness of Indigenous culture with the natural world. The speakers identify themselves with natural phenomena such as the "lightning bolt over Gaphembah Hill" and the "quiet daybreak paling the dark lagoon." These images symbolize the enduring presence of Indigenous culture in the landscape, even as it faces destruction and displacement. The phrase "We are nature and the past, all the old ways" underscores this deep connection and the ongoing struggle to preserve cultural heritage.

Symbolism and Imagery

The poem is rich in symbolism and vivid imagery that contribute to its overall message. The "bora ground" and "corroboree" are powerful symbols of Indigenous cultural practices and spiritual connection to the land. The "Notice of the estate agent" serves as a stark symbol of the desecration and disregard for Indigenous heritage by the colonizers. The imagery of natural elements, such as the "lightning bolt" and the "quiet daybreak," symbolizes the enduring presence and resilience of Indigenous culture. The repeated phrase "We are going" can be interpreted as both a lament for the loss of cultural heritage and a defiant assertion of cultural survival.

Conclusion

"We Are Going" by Oodgeroo Noonuccal is a powerful exploration of displacement, cultural identity, and the enduring connection to the land. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, the poem captures the struggle of Indigenous Australians to preserve their heritage in the face of colonization and cultural erosion. The poem's assertion of belonging and identity serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition and the resilience of Indigenous culture. The final lines, "And we are going," leave the reader with a sense of both loss and the enduring spirit of a people who, despite their struggles, continue to assert their rightful place in the world.