The Yield

Albert’s next dictionary entry ponders the meaning of dulbi-nya, meaning “worship.” Aboriginal Australians liked the Mission’s Reverend’s message about Jesus, though he prohibited them from worshipping the natural world as before. Albert doesn’t believe currency should exist, since everything humans consider precious is stolen from the earth. Over the course of his life, he’s come to understand that the world is complicated and older than him. He recalls his teacher at the Boys’ Home, Ma’am Sally-Anna Mathews, who used to hug them. Remembering is not always good; Albert struggles to incorporate the past into his worldview without feeling like he’s returning there.

Albert eventually returned to Prosperous to oversee field workers. He wasn’t a good father, but he is grateful to have lived near the ancestors. Many spirits wander the river, having died trying to escape the settlers. Albert translates yarra as “speak” and describes his doctor’s unfortunate prognosis. Knowing he would die, Albert held Elsie and told her how much he’s loved their life together. The ancestors have taught Albert many things, including how to scale a fish and honor its sacrifice before you eat it. Many of the spirits have scars on their bodies (gulgang-gulgang) left over from the settlers’ smallpox. Albert’s great-aunt instructs him to “tell the truth” about their deaths, which is what he’s doing now.