CELEBRATE OUR HISTORY, INPSIRE OUR FUTURE: A NOTE FOR THE PNG WRITER'S MUSE

a multi-part reflective commentary in the year of Papua New Guinea's Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Independence

IT'S just a few days past twelve months since the last post on the blog, and so this return is not only long overdue, but for the most part, a considered response in steering movement out of the lull in writing and seasonal buzz of literary activity once characteristic in this online space. It is also perhaps coincidental, although inevitable, that this stirring would fall straight into the lap of the roll-out of preparation and pre-celebration of Papua New Guinea's fiftieth (50th) year as an independent nation.

Whether in-country or aboard with the diaspora, weighing on our minds is the grandeur of celebratory scenes that await our witness, nation-wide calls to evoke renewed pride in self and community, and determined resolve to reconnect and uphold with steadfast, that declaration of Independence made on 16 September 1975. And whilst the overwhelming silence to last year's call out for essay submissions extinguished plans that this writer-turned founder and social entrepreneur had envisioned for a milestone (read: Volume III #PNG50) addition to the Hibiscus Three Anthology Series, it gave way for what Papua New Guineans all over will turn to in moments of quiet, patches of silence throughout daily life in the coming months, leading to September: reflection.

Absent from the forefront of interaction with Papua New Guinean writers, who have engaged with Hibiscus Three, admittedly, have questions been asked of what has inspired, or given cause to celebrate their writing skill.

Who, whom, or what, is/has been/ continues to be their muse?

Does the acknowledgment of Papua New Guinean writers of the past (pre and post-Independence) inspire their writing today?

Will celebration of the past be enough to inspire their future in what is most often a solitary, creative act?

I answer the above by way of reciprocal to the words of eminent scholar, brilliant thinker, esteemed creative writer, and (my) muse:

The sight and sound of footsteps are an epilogue to a life traversed but watched from the humble lows of the heels ahead - Footsteps, Dr. Andrew Moutu (2020)

You ask if I might pen a song with lyrical portrait for a nation

about to celebrate its' fiftieth anniversary

for what a feat it would be to jubilate in chorus with millions

my love, I couldn't even if I tried

I'd fall incredibly short to muster stanzas of undivided admiration, gratitude

for the spaces held and shared, people diverse yet unified

mesmerising breadth of culture and kastom

but this;

With all there is to say about pristine and rugged scapes, abundance of flora and fauna

exhilarating displays of dance and achievement, grandiose and slight

it comes downs to a matter of heart

To pass the day in one's head, searching in stories for a glimpse, recognition

only to find fiction nestled alongside me, a multi-chapter of story unfolding

with arcs of laughter, kindness, brilliance, anger and heartbreak

extending grace and encompassing patience

A love not characteristic when spoken in the same breadth

as men of this nation

but women such as I, know this to be our haven

Ask me and I would follow your steps

close on your heels for the next fifty, to the end of the Sepik

across the vastness of our lands

your gaze falling back, watching on, encouraging

celebrating and inspiring this writer's life ahead - RB.

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