- Kathryn Holmes
Dandelions

Dandelions
A flower with a head rich with color
Like fresh-churned butter
And a smooth and soft touch
That melts on your cheek.
It’s a child’s bouquet
Picked with love
Passed to a mother
To bring joy and kisses.
But, it’s a weed
To be avoided at all costs.
Those who let it grow
Are judged negligent.
We must fight to keep it out
Or escape the dreaded weed.
Communities with gates
Pay heavily to leave it behind.
Although it’s vibrant
And multiplies quickly
We’re told it’s bad
And we believe it.
Get rid of the dandelion
Or it will spread
And devalue our neighborhood
Diminish our social status.
But what if it became known
As a flower of value,
A true beauty indeed,
And we learned not to fear it.
We would have less struggle and stress
Find more peace and contentment
And learn that diversity
Makes a community.
—Photo and poem by Kathryn Holmes