The Children's Flower

The basic, essential raw material
Of life’s first bouquet
“Flowers for Mama”
They are child sized, easy to reach
They call out with that dazzling color
That even the youngest child understands
A blazing, bursting, shouting shade
That just might be enough,
When given by the fist full,
To voice the overflowing
Of this true ‘first love’
A love that is golden
That is everything
That is infinite

This same flower
Will turn to delicate, airy
Enchantment
Right under a child’s nose
It’s radiant riot of color
Suddenly replaced by
An exquisite, elegant fantasy
Of cream colored lace

Trembling in a brilliant breeze of summer
Waiting for the moment
It will burst into a myriad of wishes
Wishes that will ride on a child’s sweet breath
Into the wind and off to the world
Dozens of soft faery dancers
Swirling, whirling and twirling
Under parasols of whispers

Whispers that will come again
Within the sacred circle:
Brought by air,
Nourished by earth
Blessed by water
Kissed by the sun’s fire
Begin again
The gift of life

Blossom from the meadows of memory
Bloom of bright beginnings
Milky birth of summer wine
Taproots of health and healing
Brought in tinctures, teas and boiled greens
Some call you ‘weed’
For how you
Flourish and thrive
Rugged, stalwart, strong
Radiant with a secret grace
Rich with nature’s laughter

Taraxacum Officinale
Common dandelion
Childhood’s favorite flower


©Edwina Peterson Cross