Dandelions.

[Seshat Tsahìk]

Dandelions

Everybody thinks its a weed
proliferating without due care
spreading its seeds randomly
taking over everywhere
no purpose to its chaotic design
just a nuisance
not giving a second thought
to cultivated beauty,
infringing its own agenda
so it seems unrelenting
to mar and mire both
city and fields.

Most only see the weed
and have an incessant need
to mow it down
dig it up, poison it,
uproot it, yank it
mercilessly
hack it back
till it retreats or exists
further no more
obsessed to
Nay forbid to allow it
to blight their lawns,
yards or gardens.
This unappreciated nuisance.

Emerson asked once,
What is a weed?
the response
”Tis a plant
whose virtues
have not yet
been discovered!"

Who would have thought
a weed could heal?
The old wives knew
All cultures round the globe
the properties
contained in this common
one of the oldest
and most versatile.

In truth the Dandelion
is quite beneficial
emotionally and physical
No harmful side effects.
wholly medicinal,
naturally pharmaceutical
contained from root to stem
bud and flower.
Nothing else resembles at all.
Vitamins and herbal remedy
Blood purifying, detoxifying
Liver, heart, kidney, gallbladder
A solace for the eyes
And night vision too.
Soothing milky center
For bee-stings and blisters.
To name but a few

Nutritious and delicious
Nourishing
with an appeasing bitter.
Fresh greens providing
A favoured spring tonic
restoring after winter stresses
leaves in a salad
sautéed or steamed.
And if gathered on a glorious
day of sun and shine
A light invigorating Wine
clear unfiltered
imparted from the blossoms.
Sparkling Laughter.


Oh the surprises
of this derivative Sunflower
and the magic it brings
childhood memories and musings.
First flower oft picked
by tender child eyes wide open
a loving bouquet for the mother.
Chained necklaces and garlands
girdles and bracelets
braided vestures so simple plain
yet with golden hue.
Nature adorning
young maidens and lads
crowns and waists and voices.
airy seed puffs
floating on breezes
Pure hearted wishes
sent outward and upward
by soft blowing kisses.
Ever the dandelion
invites us to play
and remember
the innocence
of bygone days.

Deep roots in the earth
By which it is supported
Light hearted in girth
In all its stages of growth
Delicate strength,
Determination
Resiliency
Resolute in its fullest potential
Collective identity
In its singular beauty
Oh the surprises
of this derivative Sunflower
and the magic it brings.