The Incredible Dandelion

I love dandelions. They refuse to stop growing. 

We could learn from that– refusing to stay in our bubble and venturing out to learn and accept that others think and live differently. And that’s OK. This planet has been and always will be one of diversity in all of its flora and fauna, including humans. I love that. I am thankful to be able to look across the horizon and see the natural diversity spread on and on. Can you imagine a planet where every plant and animal were the same? A ridiculous idea. 

We live to grow and learn. 

We are children of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars. We have a right to be here. [Desiderata].

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

BY MAX EHRMANN ©1927 DESIDERATA FROM THE POEMS OF MAX EHRMANN EDITED BY BERTHA EHRMANN PUBLISHED BY BRUCE HUMPHRIES, INC. 1948

And so, the dandelion is happy. It grows and helps others grow. It’s yellow sunshine smiles on us and brings joy, no less than the trees and the stars. No matter some call it a weed; it resists; it exists. As far as possible, without surrender, it still shines and is on good terms with others. See how it blends in, a brightness with its own story. Just like all of us. Or what we could choose to be to each other.

The Dandelion

Who loves
the
incredible
edible
wildlife saving
delectable?

butterflies
moths

rabbits
squirrels

quail
turkeys

They love
the
incredible
edible
wildlife saving
delectable!

SHERI EDWARDS
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
4/19/26

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Reflect curiosity and wonder --Go boldly and scatter seeds of kindness...