In Praise of Dandelions

We love roses best,
Sweet smell, glorious petals,
We ignore the thorns.

Weeds are flowers too,
Saffron dandelions bloom,
With edible leaves.

Children's sweet delight,
Summer's snowflakes their blown seeds,
Gathered gifts for mom.

We protect the rose,
And poison dandelions,
Their beauty unprized.

Nature provides both,
Without judgment as to worth,
It is we who judge.

So with people too,
Flamboyant facades we praise,
Plain, true worth we shun.

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

Weeds are flowers too. Very true. Dandelions get bad press and yet their unmistakable yellow heads brighten up many a setting. I visited an old cemetery recently. Nature had taken over. There were primroses and bluebells galore, but the dandelions added the brightness. Everything has its value and I like the final stanza when the thinking turns to people. There is a message here which is revealed in your final stanza Victor. Most enjoyable reading.

Chris

[Victor D. Lopez]

Thank you, Chris. With both flowers and people, I think we too often are attracted to those that catch our eyes and fill our senses with their loveliness while overlooking unadorned varietals that we find less tantalizing to our senses but might much better nourish our souls.

[John the Baptist]

The human capacity to compare and judge can be useful on occasion, but too often it is used in a reflexive manner. You can never know the full truth of anyone or anything at first glance. The floral imagery was most effective in making your point.

[Victor D. Lopez]

Thank you for your feedback. Appreciated!

[carl]

great read - turn at the last stanza so well thought and done - I've know a lot of dandelions in my time ( of both kinds ) probably been both too at one time or another. hope I can remember to judge rightly as I encounter both. enjoyed the read, glad I came by. - carl

[Victor D. Lopez]

Thank you for your supportive feedback, Carl. Much appreciated.

[Relic]

Well said. This is a sophisticated poem indeed with an ending blooming with wisdom.

[Victor D. Lopez]

You are most kind. Thank you!

[Ken Simm.]

Stanza five is what makes this poem for me. And it holds a lot of metaphorical truth

[Victor D. Lopez]

Thank you for reading and for your comment. Much appreciated.

[Arundass TP]

Beautiful nature poem on flowers. Excellent lines. Enjoyed reading

[Victor D. Lopez]

Thank you for your feedback. Appreciated!