Feeling very privileged and happy today. Last night, as a invited guest, I attended the special pre-show celebratory gathering and performance of Tell Me Why – Archie Roach, concert.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
A new work sharing stories and songs from Archie Roach’s award-winning memoir and companion album, Tell Me Why is an intimate, moving and often confronting account of his resilience, strength of spirit as well as a great love story. It’s an extraordinary odyssey of love, heartbreak, family, community, survival and renewal, showcasing the healing power of music.
Not many have lived as many lives as Archie, from stolen child, teenage alcoholic, seeker, lover, father, musical and lyrical genius, to social advocate and First Nations leader – but it took almost a lifetime to find who he really was. He is Archie Roach.
In the “Tell Me Why” show, Archie Roach voiced joy, pain, and hope within the songs that he had found on his journey to becoming the legendary singer, songwriter and storyteller that he is today; and below is my Haiku that I wrote straight after the concert …
Why (a Haiku)
The stolen children
Tell me why did they do that?
Does the river know?
Below; I have attached two of Archie Roach’s music/videos, and you can find more of his powerful lyrics and music on YouTube ...
Ivor Steven (c) December 2021
Ivor.Plumber/Poet 
I’ve never heard of him. I’ve looked him up and he’s only a few years older than I
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes Larry he has been around a while… he suffered a stroke 10 years ago and recently has recovered from lung cancer .. but he still managed put on a fabulous show
LikeLiked by 2 people
how wonderful and glad you were able to go
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh .. I wouldn’t have missed out on such a wonderful opportunity … no matter how tired I was 😊🌏🎶
LikeLiked by 1 person
“does the river know?”.. such a sad verse..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Archie Roach talked a lot about the Murray River and how spiritually it means so much to his people .. there were some very emotional moments during the show
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see, thanks for the context
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful post, Ivor! What happened to Australia’s indigenous people sounds a lot like what happened in the US…a sad and shameful chapter in history. I loves your haiku. Wonderful music by Archie Roach! I am glad you got to attend the concert. Thanks for sharing. ❤
LikeLike
Nature knows Ivor it’s our great container and skies cry for us.
LikeLike
Our first nation people had it right before their culture was invaded
LikeLike
Exactly
LikeLiked by 1 person
How blessed were you! AR is a real hero of mine, so amazing to know you were there
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was very fortunate Kate, and although he is obviously unwell, he still managed to perform superbly .. and of course I couldn’t get through the show without shedding some tears .. 😥
LikeLiked by 1 person
of course, you are just one big tear sack Ivor! His life must be coming to an end, what a man!
LikeLike
I’m glad you had a wonderful evening.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sue.. it thoroughly enjoyable and profoundly informative ..😊🌏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love you entry today…a sorrowful, yet so very important remembrance of that time in history. Your haiku is fantastic…does the River know? Mwah! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Donna ..and Archie Roach’s performance was superb .. I was so fortunate to be there .. as this is to be Archie’s last ever tour ..🎶😊🌏
LikeLike
His voice is so full of emotion. Such an important messenger
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes .. they were terrible times for our indigenous people and his story is real and full of emotions from the heart 😊🌏🎶
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a fine tribute
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Derrick .. it was a fine concert
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Ivor: what wonderful news 🤩
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ingrid .. yeah .. it was great to out and then see such a fabulous show
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a privilege to go to such a brilliant concert. Archie Roach is a great man and musician. You must be buzzing today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed Suzanne … and I’ll be buzzing for a while … It was a sensational night … and because of his health issues, this is going to his last tour … so the event was even more special …
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful to have got there. 🙂
LikeLike
Ivor, thank you for sharing him with us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a wonderful evening…and man. 🙂 Thank you for sharing him with all of us!
And your tribute to him is beautiful. It is obvious he has impacted you in positive ways.
(((HUGS)))
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s a spiritual leader of the first nations people … and an oustanding performer .. my words cannot explain the emotional aura of the night ,..
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person