Apothecary Gardens by Rae Iolene

Apothecary Gardens 

The history of medicine started with a plot. 

A plot to heal and a plot to kill. 

I know this because I stand 

before the Poison Garden,

wondering how people could look at 

the Helleborus species and think,

Hmm,  I should definitely give that

to my child.

Or, how the Medici family was so 

well-versed in death-by-plant scenarios

that secret orders were given by 

palace royals. Whereas, Vinca major 

found itself in tea, lowering 

blood pressure one cup a  time. 

The danger lingers and whispers. 

Do not touch. Only look. 

But I see the temptation. To feel. 

To know. Even if it is excruciating.

It’s that moment where everything

connects—inspiration, wonderment,

awestruck.  It’s why Leonardo da Vinci

was always rumored to create 

while crushing berries. 

The contrast lives on, but please, 

Just remember, to do your research

before watching the Poison Garden

unfold. 

xx. Rae Iolene 

19 April 2026