Margaret….of the Amazon.
Along the swampy river banks
Hidden deep in
the forests of the Amazonas,
she came to find Botanica.
She travelled through the tangle,
Flowers, snakes,
and birds and trees.
Fifteen times she journeyed to
the winding river Amazon….Malaria
and Spider Bites , Infectious Hepatitis …
She had it all…but
nothing kept her from her search
of her beloved Flora.
When the full moon shone,
a springing little gem in white
came out and gleamed
in love of life. ..she wrote.
Last time she journeyed there,
the men had come…the half crazed profiteers…
…their chain saws gleaming…. roaring
at the felling of the trees.
What did they care….?
She cared.
She drew and drew.
She painted all those
small ferocious plants,
So… they may be forever…
that wild exotica…
Kristine Byrne Aug. 2018
Margaret Mee….Explorer and Botanical Artist.
1909 - 1988