Dandelions.

I hadn’t wished the seeds would fly off the dandelion before.

That the wind would carry them far away,

Every single one.

I never had to wonder if a wish would come true.

I didn’t care about a single wish-

Until I cared for you.

I hadn’t pulled the petals from the first spring rose before.

Didn’t recite a magic phrase and count the even

And the odd.

Didn’t ponder if he loved me not and wile away my days.

I didn’t bruise a single rose-

Until I met your gaze.

I hadn’t watched at twilight for the first bright star before.

Stood breathless by the porch step

Clinging to the humid dusk.

Dewdrops brushing fireflies away from my loosened hair.

I didn’t watch for ancient signs-

Until I saw you there.

Then, with a breathe, a single nod, you stole my time away,

And made me some romantic fool I’d usually disdain.

I hadn’t hoped or thought or wished or dared to dream before,

But suddenly my eyes grow bright and heartbeat almost soars.

So,

Even if your eyes do not desire a second glance,

Or if we’re cruelly ripped apart by fate

Or love

Or chance,

Even if our story ends with just one longing smile,

I’ll be content

            To waste my time

                        On silly things

                                    And children’s rhymes

                                                Remembering when love was mine

And all else fell in place.

“Dandelions” was written over the course of several years, slowly pieced together as new moments built on one another to create a story that felt like falling in love.

It is featured in the poetry journal Something Else as the first-place winner of their 2024 Valentines’ Day poetry contest.