Song of the Shadow of a Seed (Luisa Mitchell, Fremantle)

For Whadjuk Nyungar writer Luisa Mitchell, seeds represent the longevity of the past and sustainability of the future. From seeds grow roots and trees, a living representation of connection to land and Country. In her debut poetry collection, Song of the Shadow of a Seed, the trees and their seeds become a recurring motif that moves throughout 7 distinct sections to paint a vivid picture of heritage, memory, language, place and hope. Mitchell reckons with this vital question: How can we continue to create a sustainable connection to land and Country in a system that favours colonialism, capitalism and the patriarchy? Mitchell observes, records and explores this in myriad ways: through her own personal journey as a descendent of both Aboriginal and British/European ancestors; through the journey of the collective in the face of unceasing injustices around the world; through conversations and interviews with family; through her connection to Country and ancestral knowledge; and through historical truths of Aboriginal history in Western Australia. What results is a deeply expansive collection of poems that are rich in imagery and memory, bringing Mitchell’s ancestral Country to life. The language of her poems is accessible, and although the collection explores hard-hitting themes, Mitchell retains an element of lightness.  The seeds she has scattered throughout the collection have taken root in hope. Song of the Shadow of a Seed is a necessary read and suitable for all readers of poetry, including those wanting to dip their toes into the genre for the first time.

Books+Publishing reviewer: A Yang is an editor living in Melbourne. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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Category: Reviews