The Hesterian

Written By —Aimee Blackledge

For the best possible reading experience, it is recommended that you read this poem on a desktop computer.

Attributed to Thomas de Critz, Hester Tradescant and her stepson, John, 1645. Oil on canvas, 136 x 111 cm. Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Image © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford.

Here me now, don’t pass me by with my black capotain worn high Peep views of scarlet-painted iris twirls My broach branch dripping in pearls

I meet travellers from far and wide Come to South-Lambeth’s Ark, our pride A collection of rarities and plants Belonging to the father & son, Tradescants

They pay for entry and write of our repute An orchard full of exotics and curious fruit Never a thought of worry passed my mind Until the day we were both played for blind

A slinking snake slid into our garden Elias Ashmole, that alchemist charlatan Befriended my John and filled his head with notions of greatness that misled

Aimee Blackledge ©2024.

—Aimee Blackledge

Aimee Blackledge is an American author who lives in the UK. She has a Master's of Studies (M.St) and a Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil) in the History of Art from the University of Oxford. She is an Associate Member of the Society of Authors.

For the past 10 years, Aimee has worked extensively across academia as a research associate, lecturer, curator, tutor, and post-doctoral researcher.

Aimee writes historical fiction and poetry. Her latest collection of ekphrastic poems, Ghost Bones, was published under the mentorship of T. S. Eliot Prize winner, Joelle Taylor.

http://www.aimeeblackledge.com
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