Graphology Mutations 50
Okay, hate-mongerers, you commandoes
of the Patriotic Front, and Reclaim Australia
and the various ‘splinter groups’ where
bigotry itches and who you are confuses,
struggles through a melange of nation-
making ‘freedoms’ and constraints, where
Ned Kelly rallies to a cause that was
never his and Neo-nazis come along
for the ride, breaking bread and skulls...
let me tell you something. My brother,
Australian shearer respected by farmers,
surfer without borders, spent yesterday
saying ‘Selamat Hari Raya’ to all whose
path he crossed, ate with his Malay family,
dressed in Baju Melayu bought by his step-
daughter, celebrating Eid al-Fitr at Kuantan —
their balik kampung, and his, as much as here.
You are all part of his anecdotes — what
he has heard and seen in his life. Some of you
will have worked alongside him. I saw
a photo of him dressed as ‘head’ of his
family. It didn’t stop you being who
you want to be. Your ‘way of life’ wasn’t
threatened. Light was there as well.
and his smile left you silent, peaceful.
John Kinsella
