Ode to the Dandelion

Ode to the Dandelion

Copyright 2016 Mollie Pearce Mckibbon

O, why do we so malign
the humble dandelion?
And why do we still persist
to cross it off our list
of the plants we much admire
and toss it in the fire?
Although it’s not a native,
worth is qualitative.
Had our ancestors foreseen
that we would so demean
and dismiss its varied use,
they’d think us quite obtuse.
The dandelion is fine
as a delicious wine
or tossed into a salad
as a green it’s valid.
When vitamins are needed,
keep your lawn unweeded
for the friendly flower
that pops up by the hour
answers many woes;
much more than you’d suppose.
So puff that dandelion!
Send those seeds a-flyin’!
Bless all those smart forbearers
that brought the gold tassels
from Europe’s homes and castles
to medicate their ills,
ward off many aches and chills,
supplement their diets,
keep their digestions quiet,
dye their bows and laces,
and decorate their places.
The weed we most despise
is a blessing in disguise.