A spoken word version of Steve’s poem, remember, accompanied by his reflection on this poem, the truths it speaks to, and how the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM) has supported him.
Curiosity, contemplation, community, and creativity have been vital companions to my growth and healing since I transitioned from the Army in 2017.
I was a Cavalry Officer in the Army with 14 years of service across the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, the Royal Military College, Special Operations Headquarters, and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation. I served on deployments in Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Israeli-occupied Syria.
The Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM) and their vibrant community of veterans and family members of veterans resonated with me when I was first introduced in 2021 and have been an important ally and support to me since then.
The soft pull of its gravity started to gently draw me into a community and sense of togetherness that I have rarely felt or experienced before. I now feel safe deep in my bones to be my authentic self, especially while I work out who I am once I remove the masks that I have been taught–or taught myself–to wear to ‘fit in’ and be accepted.
I haven’t had the words to clearly explain to others why this growing community has felt so right. The Festival of Veterans Arts (FOVA) this year helped me realise the answer was hiding in the question on my tongue; why has it felt so right?
It feels right.
It feels safe.
Feeling is the answer.
The power of this community–of any authentic and nourishing community or culture–is one where it’s rightness and togetherness is a ‘felt’ sense.
Not something to be explained and understood in your head, rather a resonance to be felt in your body that can proceed to marinate and soften your nervous system if you allow it. Once you have felt it, you will understand its power.
“You deserve to be in environments that bring out the softness in you, not the survival in you.” - Brené Brown
My poem, remember, comes from my thoughts and feelings on a question that has been on my mind for some time;
What are we forgetting in our remembrance?
I find words interesting, especially their meanings and etymologies. It’s understandable for each of us to assume what others mean with their words and that others will comprehend what we mean. I find it valuable to check and align this, so that what is intended matches what is received.
Commemorate (verb) means, to call to remembrance. Remembrance (noun) means, to keep or bear in mind. Both share a common latin root, memorari, which means to be mindful of.
A common thread that connects those of us who served our nation, whether in a uniform or not, is that we did so for the safety and security of our society or members of it.
When I look around me at the state of our communities, society and planet I see answers to my question. I find evidence that too many people do not live with safety or security in their current reality.
I see a genocide being perpetrated on the Palestinian people while I feel that the majority of western governments sit indifferently on the sidelines. Current estimates are that 59,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
I see a femicide and domestic violence epidemic happening on our doorstep where 104 women were killed in 2024, and 46 have been killed so far in 2025.
I see an epidemic of suicide, addiction, and loneliness that is rife across society, where I feel that too many people don’t know there is another way to be.
Part of what we have forgotten is the why. Why so many sacrificed so much during the wars and conflicts in our history. That they did what they did for us to all live in safety, connected in community. For us to honour their sacrifice, our first act of remembrance should be to focus on what we can do to change our current reality.
“The opposite of good is not evil, it’s indifference. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” - Joshua Michael Schrei
This quote resonated deeply within me when I heard it recently. So? My invitation to myself and to you is this.
Let us be different.
Let us be curious instead of being fragile. Let us listen instead of speaking. Let us be vulnerable and connect authentically with others. Let us hold space with empathy for others to be vulnerable. Let us inquire within and work through our shadow, our wounds, our feelings.
During FOVA, I was privileged to witness powerful moments where I could see someone feel the safety to be whoever and whatever they are. I could see them soften and surrender into this.
What does it feel like for you to feel a sense of welcoming and belonging?
How can you help others feel this?
Author:
Steve Cotterill is the inaugural Poet Laureate for the Veteran Community. He is a creative with a love of words be they written, spoken, or sung, a love of photography, and a budding love of the guitar he is learning to play. He also works as an MC and as a facilitator & coach on leadership & culture.
If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran and are curious about or involved in arts or creativity, discover ANVAM events and more inforation on their website(opens in a new window) and Instagram(opens in a new window).
Festival of Veteran Arts (FOVA) is returning in March 2026 with the theme of curiosity. Curious? Save the date and come join us in Melbourne!
If you are interested in supporting ANVAM or Veteran Artists you can ANVAM(opens in a new window) (opens in a new window)here(opens in a new window).
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