Poem 116: Dandelions

I am sitting on the front porch on the first nice weekend this spring

Sitting relaxing and taking in everything

This day turned out warm and the air is fresh and clean

Our front yard is thriving and has a nice shade of green

This however is not the only colour that stands out

There are splashes of yellow interweaved all about

Most of our neighbours have all agreed

We have decided to protect this vital weed

Three residences that are joined together in a row

Have decided to let all of our dandelions grow

It’s for the benefit of the pollinators that come our way

We’ve jumped on the bandwagon of the “no mow May”

This gives a chance for these insects to do their thing

It benefits all of them during the early  spring

But then you have the diehards who don’t think this is right

They prefer to annihilate each root and keep this crop out of sight

You see them on their turf on their hands and knees

Pulling each and every one of them like they are some kind of disease

To me this is just a useless chore

Been there, done that and don’t do it no more

We did at one time accomplish this feat

Even had people tell us our yard was the nicest on the street

We had new sod installed which grew in thick and lush

Running around in barefoot was like walking on carpet plush

I was devoted to maintaining this year after year

By the third summer I had enough and called it a career

I have seen my property go from pristine now to bad

But when I was into it, I gave it everything I had

I am now happy just to cut it when it grows

I may extend this “no mow” policy into June, who really knows?

I prefer to sit on my front porch and watch others obsess over their lawn

Scanning their tiny estates and making sure every single weed is gone

In my neighbourhood the grass is definitely greener across the street

I have decided to throw in the towel and refuse to compete

I admit their yards are wonderful with all the work that they do

Living on our front porch spring and summer we have a scenic view

Now as far as their vista, I have to wonder what they have to say

Looking at the array of green and yellow each and every day

To show our devotion we erected a sign and here’s what it reads

“Experimental dandelion farm, do not disturb the weeds”

We will protect these yellow flowers until they go to seed

After that time passes I’m not sure how I’ll proceed

Maybe I’ll be inspired by the sights I’ve taken in

Perhaps pride in my property will once again begin

Or maybe I’ll sit and relax and enjoy the birds sing

And not do a single thing until maybe next spring