Spring is here and dandelions are suddenly popping up and starting to bloom. Their bright yellow flowers turn into the iconic wish flowers that make children everywhere happy. I remember the first time someone told me I could make a wish on a dandelion before blowing the seeds to the wind. It was like a small gift of magic. Making a wish always holds so much promise and hope. Somewhere along the way many adults lose their enchantment with dandelions but really are a wonderful plant. My mom and sister recently spent the afternoon gathering dandelions and preparing them to eat. They were so inspired by the afternoon that my sister wrote “How To Cook Dandelion Greens” and my mother, Ann Cregg, wrote this clever little dandelion poem.
My mother is an artist. She loves to explore, and experience, and create and I think this little dandelion poem is very sweet and full of educational information at the same time!
Dandelion Poem
By Ann Cregg
The springing of the dandelion
comes just at the right time
cleansing the cobwebs of winter
from our bodies and minds.
We pay for kale and collards
from the store
ignoring the humble dandelion
in the fields next door.
God gives this plant bright charm
in her yellow garb
beckoning us to partake and to absorb.
Her leaves abounding with even more vitamins A, C and, K
than many other greens we think we prefer today.
Iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and omega6,
are waiting patiently for us to gather and fix.
Dandelions came along
with our fathers to this nation
keeping settlers and pioneers more vigorous and strong,
standing by the hungry during the Great Depression.
Are we forgetting the free food that’s been with us so long?
God still provides abundantly
just what we need
that our countenance is bright
and our health excels indeed.
Reacquaint yourselves with the fruits
of this lovely little “weed”.
I hope you enjoyed my mother’s dandelion poem. Do you like dandelions? Have you tried eating dandelion greens? Have you made a dandelion wish lately?
Love this!