THE simple elegance of Esther Gardiner’s poetry might offer powerful imagery of country and a tie to Aboriginal culture. For others, it offers solace and hope.
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Armidale Hospital recognised a value in Esther’s work and has purchased 15 of her poems to hang within their new ambulatory building. A Hunter New England Health spokesperson said they hope to hold dedication of the work later this month.
Paul King of the Linking Together Centre said he first met the poet about four years ago when she came in with a few written pieces. He was first struck by her shyness but then impressed with her talent.
“I read the poems and thought, ‘Geez, these are really, really good. She probably didn’t think she was as good as what she was with her poems.”
The encouragement bro-ught Esther back with a few more pieces and Paul invited her along to read at the Inverell Poet’s Breakfast three years ago.
Initially she leant on Paul’s support at public events until he said she found her confidence in speaking on her own.
Esther is now in demand at events and openings to share with the public her vision of the world through verse.
“They speak of the land, Australia, and culture and the Christian poems speak of Christian things, and I think they give hope,” Esther said.
Those first poems were written to read in church and she hopes her words can bless her readers.
Writing has been in Esther’s genes for many years. She said her high school English teacher saw her potential, and asked if she would join the next class level.
“But I wouldn’t go because there were no other Aboriginals there,” she said.
Esther went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology and Aboriginal Studies at UNE. She used her education to teach Aboriginal Studies at TAFE. She said it was important to teach about her culture.
“When Captain Cook came, I believe that the Aboriginal culture lost its foundation,” she said. “And through my poems, I’m trying to build a little foundation for people that they can apply in their own lives; to build so they can take hold of it and move forward. I’m proud to use my writing as a tool to express, but to help by Aboriginal people as well.”