That second paragraph. You are honest and right about all of us (not only yourself). I've been doing some yard work and soul-searching the last few weeks, so this resonated. Thanks for sharing!
This is a lovely meditation on a commonplace thing. A good reminder that every "common" thing has a slice of Eternity in its being!
A bit of random knowledge that I love about dandelions: the name comes from the French ‘dent de lion,’ meaning ‘tooth of the lion,’ which refers to the sharply-featured leaves. For years I always thought the ‘lion’ part came from its yellow ‘mane!’
Thank you for sharing! I always thought that dandelions were a picture of something, but couldn't place my finger on just what. So glad that I could read this beautiful metaphor and liturgy.
Thanks for saying so! Believe it or not, I hadn't read this essay until you shared it, but I love it. A few months ago I'd actually picked quite the armload of dandelions to prepare for tea, but I ended up tossing them out for lack of direction on how best to use them. Clare's given me a renewed confidence through your recommendation, though, and dandelion mead sounds like a fun experiment as well. Thanks so much for reading and sharing!
Both the poem and the intro are absolute soul-food, things that deserve reading again and again. I love thinking of dandelions as "tongues of fire" -- such vibrant imagery!
"If I look around and see nothing but weeds, perhaps it’s my soul—not my yard—that needs work."
This was a timely word for me this morning Tyler. Thank you. Thank God for grace.
Thanks so much for reading, Sarah! I'm glad to hear this resonated. Solidarity is a powerful thing.
That second paragraph. You are honest and right about all of us (not only yourself). I've been doing some yard work and soul-searching the last few weeks, so this resonated. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading, Heather! It's amazing (even if it shouldn't be surprising) how often yard work and soul work go together.
This is a lovely meditation on a commonplace thing. A good reminder that every "common" thing has a slice of Eternity in its being!
A bit of random knowledge that I love about dandelions: the name comes from the French ‘dent de lion,’ meaning ‘tooth of the lion,’ which refers to the sharply-featured leaves. For years I always thought the ‘lion’ part came from its yellow ‘mane!’
Love the etymology. An example in itself of the mysteries beneath the "common" face of things. Thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous poem!! And what a neat perspective.
Thanks so much, Sierra! I appreciate you reading and engaging.
Thank you for sharing! I always thought that dandelions were a picture of something, but couldn't place my finger on just what. So glad that I could read this beautiful metaphor and liturgy.
Thanks, Anna!
Pale/impaled - great line, really that whole stanza shines.
I appreciate it, Mark!
Lovely! I wonder if you have read this in Plough by Clare Coffey? https://www.plough.com/en/topics/justice/environment/dandelions-an-apology
Thanks for saying so! Believe it or not, I hadn't read this essay until you shared it, but I love it. A few months ago I'd actually picked quite the armload of dandelions to prepare for tea, but I ended up tossing them out for lack of direction on how best to use them. Clare's given me a renewed confidence through your recommendation, though, and dandelion mead sounds like a fun experiment as well. Thanks so much for reading and sharing!
So glad you enjoyed and wishing you all the best with whatever dandelion concoction you decide upon : )
Both the poem and the intro are absolute soul-food, things that deserve reading again and again. I love thinking of dandelions as "tongues of fire" -- such vibrant imagery!
Kind of you to say so, Miriam! Thanks so much for reading
I'll never look at a dandelion the same way again--tongues of fire-- thanks I really enjoy your writing and deep thoughts!! 🤗
Thanks, Melanie!