THE HIPPSY PRIMNADON (for Michael Russ)

Dear little hippsy primnadon
It's sad to think you've almost gone
Hopping along so happily
Beneath those dark strange jungle trees
Bird haunted, orchid rivete
Where python silent slide along
And tassel ferns are found among
The shadows cool - pacific seas
Make music in your tiny head
Hopping along so happily.

Dear little hippsy primnadon
It's sad to think you've almost gone.

Michael Russ once discovered a colony of hippsy primnadons in N. W. Queensland, then thought to be extinct. A very small marsupial, it hopped and walked upright. Michael was lost over Germany in W. W.2 while serving in the Royal Australian Air Force.

This was written by Mary the wife of Dr. Sidney Russ and found by their son John Russ when he was going through his Mother's papers recently. Apparently she had written more than 400 poems and he has them in his possession now.  This lovely poignant example should be shared by us all!