I Am Australian

• Jessica Seery, Grade 9
• Poetry
• 2014

I walk across this barren land, the red sand between my toes
I remember the way they look at me, the disgust clearly shows
I can’t help the way I look, nor the colour of my skin
But why can’t they just understand, I’m still Australian

I may talk a little different, my speech is laidback and slow
You say I’m nobody, that I’m just a John Doe
As I sit upon this ancient dirt, I realize I am not a sin
I was born on this part of earth, therefore, I am Australian

I may walk at a fast pace, in groups of three to four
This doesn’t mean we’re criminals, nor that we’re very poor
Those evil stares you give us, doesn’t mean you win
I am the way I am, BECAUSE I’m Australian

I was born on this land, why can’t you understand
I am a part of this earth, but not a plain piece of dirt
You may give me awful stares but I’m proud of who I am
I am Australian