There was a man called Gowanda, <br />Hero of the people of Quandamooka, <br />Who became a dolphin when he died. <br />To dolphins he was a guide, <br />Teaching them to fish with men Aboriginal, <br />He started a relationship quite original. <br /> <br />When they saw a shoal of fish far out to sea, <br />Noonucal men ran with glee, <br />To beat the water with spears, <br />Asking for dolphin volunteers, <br />Who chased mullet to shore, <br />So many, for a feast galore. <br /> <br />Around the men the dolphins ate. <br />Both did well to co-operate. <br />Men gave dolphins fish from their spear, <br />Complete trust meant no fear. <br />Sometimes they used nets of kurranjong bark, <br />And the dolphins protected them from shark, <br />Whether in canoes made from a gum tree, <br />Or just swimming naturally. <br /> <br />If you ever see Gowanda with his white fin, <br />Ask how we can all learn to be like him.<br /><br />Stephen Katona<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/fishing-with-dolphins-in-quandamooka/
