Dandelions

Sarah Russell

“A weed is a flower growing in the wrong place.”
                            George Washington Carver

Spike-haired, brass-blonde,
they invade the bluegrass suburbs
where blades form a passive sameness
if tended as intended.  They strut
across the green of everyday —
strumpets in tattered leafy skirts,
stiletto roots — bestowing downy favors
on the summer breeze.

– Sarah Russell
First published in Your Daily Poem

60 thoughts on “Dandelions”

    1. Thanks, Sherry. Yes, they say now that you should let them bloom because they are the first nourishment for hummingbirds as well, but I’ve never seen a hummer try one. I just love their attitude!

      Like

      Reply

      1. He is amazing! Most of the way, I thought those were photographs, albeit amazing ones. Only when I glanced at the description did I realize they were oils. Wow. I hope you have some of his work hanging on your walls.

        Like

    1. No. He does his thing and I do mine. We’re so much alike that I’m not sure that would work. I helped him pack a van once for a show he was in. Let’s just say we’re better as mother and son than we are as partners! And we get along so well in that guise that I’m not going to test it!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. I do love that quote, Sarah, as I love weeds and dandelions in particular. Your personification is superb!
    ‘strumpets in tattered leafy skirts,
    stiletto roots — bestowing downy favors
    on the summer breeze’.
    Wow!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      1. Thanks, Kris. I think they’re the most fun with toddlers. Teaches them what yellow is, and if they like butter by holding one under their chin (funny how it always turns out they do!), and blowing the down is great fun too.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. “stiletto roots “, that’s a good description of them.
    dandelions remind me of the wildflowers that grow on the roadsides as i pass them on my way to work or play. the mimosa, the plush grass, the sedges. all hardy and unloved. 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  17. Ah, you have described dandelions SO well. Actually I love looking at them as I drive along a highway, but am not so fond of them in the backyard. I like ‘spike-haired, brass blonde.’

    Like

    Reply

  21. Wonderful writing, Sarah! You have a lovely deft touch in your choice of words … light – and yet, so visual and vivid. Rather like ‘bestowing downy favors on the summer breeze’.

    Like

    Reply

  24. Oh, how I love this! I’ve loved dandelions since childhood, and this poem captures not only the look of them but also that jaunty, insouciant mood they seem to have, as well as the defiance of weeds which grow despite disapproval.

    Like

    Reply

  27. Reblogged this on flashlight batteries and commented:
    This poem by Sarah Russell spoke to me. She made every word count. I believe you will find it a keeper.

    Just like the dandelion, each of us has the power to define who we are regardless of the labels that others may try to stick on us.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment