When Israel came into the Great South Land:
and the People of God among a people of an alien tongue.
Torndirrup became his sanctuary:
and Walyunga his domain.
The sea saw that, and fled:
Derbal Yiragan was driven back.
Pualaar Miial skipped like a ram:
and the foothills like young sheep.
What ailed you, O sea, that you fled:
O Yiragan, that you were driven back?
O Bluff Knoll, that you skipped like a ram?:
O little hills like young sheep?
Tremble, O Noongar country, at the Lord’s presence:
at the presence of the God of gods.
Who turned the rock into a billabong:
and threw sand into the waterhole to make it safe.
***
(Acknowledging Professor David Frost’s version of Psalm 114 in A Prayer Book for Australia)
Torndirrup – the National Park on the south coast at Albany with the Gap and Natural Bridge.
Walyunga – National Park on the Darling Range near Perth with many sacred places associated with the Waagyl.
Derbal Yiragan – Swan River
Pualar Miial – Bluff Knoll (tallest peak in the Stirling Ranges)
Throwing sand – When Noongars arrive at a water-hole or river, they throw sand into the water so as not to disturb the Waagyl and make the water safe for drinking and swimming.
Mind Journeys 