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Potent as spears, black-boys rise sentinel
after the fire has passed
New life sprouts along the blackened stem
A spray of green circles the base spins wild
as grass skirts on young men dancing
Initiation Ceremony
They learn the secret value of Gul-gad-ya
the power in each spike and root
A magic resin stronger than string
holds spear tip to shaft
cements a stone axe to the hilt
Brave Gadigal men hold the knowledge
earn their place as hunters
Make a draft from crushed flowers
their manhood stored in heady wine
maturing with age
