19 Comments
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Sarah Dredge's avatar

"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.

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Tyler Rogness's avatar

Thanks so much for reading, Sarah! I'm glad to hear this resonated. Solidarity is a powerful thing.

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Heather Cadenhead's avatar

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!

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Tyler Rogness's avatar

Thanks for reading, Heather! It's amazing (even if it shouldn't be surprising) how often yard work and soul work go together.

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Eliana Wickland's avatar

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!’

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Tyler Rogness's avatar

Love the etymology. An example in itself of the mysteries beneath the "common" face of things. Thanks for sharing!

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Sierra Westerholm's avatar

Gorgeous poem!! And what a neat perspective.

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Tyler Rogness's avatar

Thanks so much, Sierra! I appreciate you reading and engaging.

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Anna Claire's avatar

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.

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Tyler Rogness's avatar

Thanks, Anna!

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Mark Rico's avatar

Pale/impaled - great line, really that whole stanza shines.

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Tyler Rogness's avatar

I appreciate it, Mark!

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From a Garret's avatar

Lovely! I wonder if you have read this in Plough by Clare Coffey? https://www.plough.com/en/topics/justice/environment/dandelions-an-apology

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Tyler Rogness's avatar

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!

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From a Garret's avatar

So glad you enjoyed and wishing you all the best with whatever dandelion concoction you decide upon : )

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Miriam Novotny's avatar

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!

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Tyler Rogness's avatar

Kind of you to say so, Miriam! Thanks so much for reading

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Melanie Van Wyhe's avatar

I'll never look at a dandelion the same way again--tongues of fire-- thanks I really enjoy your writing and deep thoughts!! 🤗

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Tyler Rogness's avatar

Thanks, Melanie!

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