My Popu
Corporal Nadi Anu
Volunteer light infantry
Battalion Company D
He boarded the Rosemary
Bound for Merauke
Over the West Papua border
In World War 2
Carved through walls of reeds
Upper Oba tributaries
Through the grass barriers
To seek out the Japanese
Invading enemies
Australia's first line of defence
Melanesian brothers in arms
My Popu
Andihele Anu
A Saibai Leader
Strong willed agitator
Led the Maritime sitdown strike
Equal wages for his people
Come one come all
He was the songman'
Songman of the sea
Sang songs of his voyages
Unique melody
Kapu Wakay Kapu Nathayg
Kapu Wakay Kapu Nathayg
This was his lasting legacy
Well worn brown tangerays,
High buttoned short sleeve shirt
Thick black rimmed glasses
And a gentleman's hat
My Popu
Corporal Nadi Anu
House at Aramasu
On Saibai's western side
When there was no water
Cos of the King Tide
He moved to the mainland
To begin a new life
Of Skippering Pearl boats
On the Great Barrier Reef
He smelled of tobacco, covered in Vicks
Constantly singing and grinding his teeth
A master gardener Kasava Kumala
Playing the drums on his grandchildren's feet
My Popu
Corporal Nadi Anu"