In the continuation of “Garraba – Body,” I present “Dhaagun – Ashes,” a meditation on the cyclical nature of existence and the connection between all forms of life. This piece delves deeper into the essence of our being, exploring the concept of matter and energy as infinite, continually transforming from one state to another.

“Dhaagun”, Wiradjuri word for ashes, a powerful symbol of both end and beginning. Ashes are what remain after the fire, a reminder of the transience of form and the perpetuity of substance. In this piece, I seek to illuminate the reality that we, as living beings, are part of an eternal cycle. We are born, we live, we die, and in death, we return to the earth, our essence re-joining the elemental dance fundamental particles.

Our existence is a testament to the intricate connection between us and Country. The earth beneath our feet, the air we breathe, the plants that nourish us, and the animals that share our world—all are composed of the same basic elements. We are not separate from our surroundings; we are an integral part of the cosmos, participating in a continuous exchange of matter and energy. I reflected on the impermanence of form and the constancy of essence. We are matter; we are energy. From what we were, we will return. In our perpetual transformation, we find our infinity.