Wangari Maathai

She planted a seed, so small and frail,

But it grew tall, through sun and gale.

The tree spread branches, its leaves so green,

A symbol of hope, of a brighter scene.

For Wangari Maathai saw the land,

Stripped bare by the greed of man's own hand.

The forests gone, the soil depleted,

A land barren, left uncompleted.

But she had a vision, a dream so grand,

Of forests tall, lining every strand.

Of a land where nature thrived in peace,

And communities found their lives released.

She rallied women, young and old,

To plant trees, to break the mold.

Empowering them, creating change,

The Green Belt Movement started to arrange.

She faced oppression, arrests and fights,

But she stood strong, with all her might.

For she knew the truth, that every tree,

Could heal the land, and set people free.

And so she planted, set roots so deep,

Tirelessly working, she would not sleep.

Her legacy grows, spreading worldwide,

For Wangari Maathai was a force to abide.

Her story reminds us all, we have a voice,

To create change, and make a choice.

To protect the earth, and all of its worth,

For the generations yet to take birth.