As kids we would hold dandelions
beneath each others chins
somehow fascinated by learning
who liked butter
dandelions going to seed were
fun to pick, blow on
scattering their fluffy countenance
to the winds until some
adult said to stop it because
all they were were weeds
then dandelion wine was
all the rage
for a time
neighborhood restaurants
feature them
in salads
holdout hippies and
art fair merchants
weave them into headgear
elevating the dandelion to
victors laurel status
times were simpler
when we were younger
though now the simplicity
lies in seeing what
has always been, letting go
with a poof of breath
on downy seed
“simplicity lies in seeing what has always been” — great line. So powerful and true
Thank you, Tammi. Happy that the poem spoke to you on some level.
‘scattering their fluffy countenance’ such an apt description – do all kids do this with such delight?!!! brought back strong fond memories. also love your final lines – ‘simplicity lies in seeing what has always been’ is so true; yet I really love ‘letting go with a poof of breath on downy seed.’ So many layers of meaning available in these few simple words. Very resonant. Thank you.
Thank you, Sarah. Glad I could bring this to you.