Lisa

67^th Anniversary

An archipelago’s skilful craft,

from woven baskets to colourful ikat,

a first lady’s selendang of Padang,

worn with a golden ancestral necklace –

the celebration of cherished heritage.

The synchronization of Acehnese dancers,

nimble movement to drums’ beat,

Indonesia merdeka in the strains of ‘Indonesia Raya’,

and of ‘Advance Australia Fair’, Nature’s beauty rich and rare,

raised glasses celebrate both nations –

one with a president and the other a queen.

To an ensemble’s combination of traditional and modern sounds,

the intermingling of Melbourne’s cultural circles,

convivial friendship in circulation.

LHB