1 Introduction

This section introduces the complexity and contentiousness of Australian national identity, pointing out that indigeneity is an essential component of Australian identity. With the rise of Indigenous writers, Indigenous literary works, using English as a medium, depict the past, present, and future of Indigenous societies while tracing cultural roots. Kevin Gilbert, as a prominent contemporary writer, plays a crucial role in constructing indigeneity and giving voice to Indigenous peoples through his works. His groundbreaking play "The Cherry Pickers" has gained significant attention, as has his poetry. This paper aims to reveal the unique Indigenous elements in his poetry, highlighting its differences from white poetry.

2 Indigenous English in Gilbert's Poetry

This section delves into the characteristics of Indigenous English present in Kevin Gilbert's poetry. Although Gilbert had only one-quarter Indigenous ancestry, he grew up in an Indigenous community and was deeply influenced by the culture of the Wiradjuri tribe. His poetic creations are steeped in tribal language, myths, and other cultural heritage. He prefers using Indigenous dialects, such as replacing standard English words with terms like "baccadul" in "Tobacco," and imitates Indigenous oral speech in grammar, pronunciation, and linguistic patterns, forming a unique "verbatim recording style." Nursery rhymes like "The Mad Rosella" showcase his mastery of rhyme and rhythm, as well as the close connection between Indigenous poets and nature. However, poetry inheriting the Indigenous oral tradition faces challenges in the publishing market due to Gilbert being stereotyped as a "protest poet."

3 Depictions of Indigenous Realities in Gilbert's Poetry

This section explores Kevin Gilbert's portrayal of the living conditions of Indigenous Australians in his poetry, revealing the injustices faced by Indigenous communities and the dilemmas of cultural identity. Through personal experiences, Gilbert reflects on the struggles of Indigenous people within social structures and the complex relationships between individuals and the collective. His poem "Reflection" uses extreme scenes of violence to depict the contradictions of cultural identity and the tragic consequences of identity anxiety. In "Living in the Black Man's Way," he recalls the abuse and discrimination he suffered in white Australian welfare institutions, as well as the exploitation of Indigenous women by white men. Gilbert learned about the tragic history of Indigenous massacres through tribal life, and these traumatic memories became a significant source for his poetry. His poem "Tobacco" condemns white massacres, exploitation, and the hypocrisy of "protection" policies toward Indigenous people. The poem "Soldier" straightforwardly expresses the unfair treatment and racial discrimination faced by Indigenous people in white society. Gilbert not only expressed protest through poetry but also actively engaged in real-life actions, such as protests in front of the Australian War Memorial. His poems "To All the Jackys I've Met" and "The Black Drunk" reveal the negative impacts of white culture on Indigenous society and the underlying causes of Indigenous alcoholism. In "Granny Koori," he criticizes the weakness of some Indigenous men, calling for true Indigenous men to rise like Indigenous women to protect Indigenous children. Gilbert's poetry is not only an expression of personal pain but also a profound reflection on society and culture, aiming to raise awareness about the plight of Indigenous communities and recognize their contributions.

4 Indigenous Mythology in Gilbert's Poetry

This section explores the Indigenous mythological elements in Kevin Gilbert's poetry. Gilbert possessed a strong political consciousness and was dedicated to rebuilding the dignity and cultural confidence of Indigenous peoples through writing, emphasizing the cultural value of myths and beliefs. He reflected on the spiritual strength provided by tribal backgrounds and national myths to Indigenous people, elaborating on the concept of "Dreaming," which includes myths, laws, and history, as well as the legends of ancestral spirits creating the world during the "Dreamtime." Gilbert's poems, such as "Nocturne" and "The Tree," showcase the creation myths of the Dreamtime, reflecting Indigenous views on life and death and exploring the relationships among all living beings. He believed that the construction of Australian culture requires the participation of all people, based on human dignity, passion, and creativity, and that justice and dignity for Indigenous peoples are essential for the nation's prosperity.

5 Indigenous Land Rights in Gilbert's Poetry

This section delves into the profound expression and relentless pursuit of Indigenous land rights in Kevin Gilbert's poetry. Gilbert firmly believed that indigeneity and justice are core principles for the survival of Australian land and its people. Land, as the source of Indigenous life and spirit, holds an inseparable sacred connection with Indigenous peoples, and the fight for land rights is crucial for constructing Indigenous identity. Through his creation of numerous poems on land themes, such as "Celebrators of 1988," he condemns the crimes of white colonists in destroying the ecological environment and massacring Indigenous people, while satirizing their celebratory activities for masking the truth of these atrocities. Additionally, his poem "Me and Jukamali Talk About Land Rights" uses a dialogue format to depict the suffering and resistance of Indigenous peoples, employing various rhetorical devices to inspire Indigenous communities to rise up, fight for land rights, resist injustice, and maintain optimism for the future. Furthermore, Gilbert actively participated in Indigenous human rights movements, creating political pamphlets to debunk the white myth of "terra nullius" and tirelessly advocating for Indigenous land rights.

6 Conclusion

This section summarizes the Indigenous characteristics and influence of Gilbert's poetry, noting that it sets an example for later writers, critiques white people and some Indigenous individuals, presents unique Indigenous cultural traditions, and emphasizes the need for Indigenous peoples to rise up and fight for land justice.