While doing a nature retreat about three years ago, we were asked to "be" a plant, flower, nature scene etc. and write about how we felt. I chose to be a dandelion and to express my feelings in verse. Here is the result, which I thought you might like. At this time many gardeners are bemoaning the fact that so many of these lovely yellow flowers are cropping up everywhere. Hope they will look on the dandelion in a more favourable light.

The Dandelion Speaks

I am glad to get this opportunity to speak to you about me.
It is seldom I have a chance to have my feelings heard;
Though I've been around for many centuries and found in many countries,
"Glowing terms," are not the usual ones in which I've been referred.

No, you just say my name to folks and watch their expressions
It won't be wonder, joy, or awe, or even happiness.
Oh, no! A smirk, a scowl, an upturned nose, a scornful laugh or mockery,
When hearing my name "Dandelion," is what will be expressed.

Now the French have called me Pissenlit which has a lovely meaning.
It means that I'm a resting place for creatures very small.
But you English have translated it, so mocking and so literally,
As "Piss-in-Bed," and with that name I am not pleased at all.

When your thoughts go off to nature poems, the first one in your memory,
Is the lovely one by Wordsworth extolling daffodils.
They're my sisters and I love them but I'm jealous too and envious.
Why couldn't he have written of dandelions on the hills?

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high on days so fine.
When all at once I saw a crowd
Of lovely, yellow dandelions.

Yes, I once did cover many hills and yards, and fields all over.
But I was cursed and stomped upon and dug up by the roots.
I was called a weed, a dirty pest, a no-good bit of greenery.
All I could do was stand unmoving. They didn't care a hoot.

There was fresh air then, and water pure and sun to warm my being
Now the acid rain is poisoning the water I must drink.
And the air is so polluted, I can't breath. My seeds are shrivelling
Of extinction, it is evident, I am coming to the brink.

Yet I've been endowed with Mother Nature with a gracious bounty.
Every part of me is useful, every part of me is good.
People rush for medication when they have a pain or illness
When instead they could consult me. Oh how I wish they would!

Caffeine is a drug addictive, no one doubts its effects harmful
Have you never heard of what I offer? Dandelion tea?
And my leaves add much to salads and as greens for good Jiggs Dinner.
You can even get an ointment and a tincture too, from me.

You know that Dandelion wine is good for entertaining;
But a dram or two of it each day is healthy for your cells.
In this age of natural healing with more people seeking wellness,
I'm a plant now being looked at as a source for making well.

So treat me with respect I beg you, I will not disturb the planet.
Talk to me and tell me where for you my boundaries should extend.
Only see the beauty of my petals, stems, and leaves, and pistils
All my gifts you may enjoy then - you and I, as God intends.

Gladys Bozec
2003   Submitted By: NULL