It feels appropriate to have finished this stunning collection by Gunai woman @kirli.saunders sitting here in this beautiful artwork garden, Mardarburdar Alignment II by David Jones on Nyungar Land at @curtinuniversity. The sun, wind and water were the perfect reminder of the importance of country and connection to underpin the powerful poetry offered up in Kindred. There were moments in this collection that I felt like I was intruding on a story that wasn’t mine to hear – eavesdropping on a stolen conversation between lovers. There were moments where I felt fully seen, reminded of my own strength as a woman who nurtures and gives to those around me. And there were moments I feel privileged to have been witness to – the sharing of the generational trauma that was inflicted upon Australia’s Indigenous people, and continues to be carried out today, and the incredible strength and joy in the connection between family, community and culture that Kirli honours and celebrates. I’m incredibly moved by this collection of poetry, and am very proud of the sensitivity and strength shown in its writing by a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing this with the world, Kirli. It’s a privilege to add this to my story.