Redfern at Night by Richard Clayton

7 pm in Redfern, apprehension showing
Faces of the whiteman, pensive, paranoia growing
Fear fills his mind, prejudice his heart
Thinks – those black bastards – bastards of the dark
Avoiding all the back streets, running to his house
Streets empty quickly, silence, only blacks venture out.

11 pm in Redfern, pubs begin to close
Police with clubs swinging, blacks bloody nose
Arresting blacks at random, no reason given
Said, not permitted on the streets, not after eleven.

11.30 pm in Redfern, tension growing
Faces of the blackman – bleeding, confusion showing
Anger fills his mind, hatred in his heart
The bastards keep on hitting, because his skin is dark
Taking to the back streets, sneaking to his house
Streets empty once more, uneasy silence,
Not even blacks venture out.

From Inside Black Australia (1988) edited by Kevin Gilbert