(a re-post)
.
I’m a stranger to this land.
Pray, what are these graceful creatures
with plush yellow blossoms
waving lightly
in the early afternoon?
Such a lovely garden you have!
But why are you cutting them down?
.
They’re dandelions!
you say with disgust.
.
Puzzling,
I bid you farewell
and stroll away
tripping on an old tin can
in the street.
.
(c) 1991, 2014 Betty Hayes Albright
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Indeed! It’s all in the prejudice of the beholder. I’m a big fan of dandelions (and other harmless, natural things that defy tight-assed convention). The roots and leaves are consumable and full of vitamins, the flowers I have used to make dandelion wine, and is there anything more magically nostalgic than the sight of a child blowing on a dandelion clock?
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Cynthia, I agree with you completely! And remember those dandelion chains we made as kids? And then the bouquets we’d bring home? They smelled as good as roses to me. The greens are great in salads. Haven’t tried the roots or flowers yet – but have read how healthful the entire plant is. (Back in the 70’s there was a hippie living across the street from us who let his lawn run wild with big, healthy dandelions – I think he lived on them.)
Yes, nostalgic… 🙂
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Ah…a little history of dandelions: http://www.sciences360.com/index.php/plant-history-how-dandelions-came-to-north-america-6181/
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Thanks for the link, Charlie. Looks interesting – am heading there now! 🙂
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Just read the article – fascinating!
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Oh gorgeous Betty! My kind of poem! I love dandelions! And the “clocks” are just treasures! I took a close up photo of a dandelion clock the other day, so intricate and magical looking! Xx
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Christine, a belated thank you for your comment. No doubt your photo was better than mine here. (I need a new camera!)
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Oh, Betty, this one stole my heart! I LOVE dandelions … my garden has grown wilder and wilder, nature taking over much of its style. I love all your poetry, but, especially, how you also understand the essence of nature, of letting it be. I’m catching up (again!), and so forgive that I don’t comment on all your posts. But I adore your poetry and feel so connected to your spirit. Hope you are very well. Blessings, my dear friend. Diane XO ❤
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Diane, I’m so glad you liked this one. I too have found an inclination for wilder gardens over the years, letting nature do what it will. There is so much beauty that goes unnoticed in the wildness – especially in what we label “weeds”. I consider you a kindred spirit also and love ALL your work. Someday I shall catch up with your publications!
(No apology necessary – I’m almost always behind in reading, and am also unable to comment on everything.)
Blessings back to you!
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Just the other day I was writing somewhere about so called “weeds” getting a bum rap.
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Ben, it seems several of us poets have posted and/or commented about dandelions and weeds lately – all of us on the same page. Great minds! 🙂
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Great minds, perhaps. I, in contrast, was merely commenting from the sidelines. 🙂
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Not the sidelines, really – comments count in this synchronistic world of blogs. 🙂
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