Dandelion

“Through what fierce incarnations, furled In fire and darkness, did I go, Ere I was worthy in the world To see a dandelion grow?” ~ G. K. Chesterton

The common dandelion (otherwise known as Genus Taraxacum) could be considered a scapegrace or wannabe of the daisy family, for it is indeed part of that family, as repugnant as that might sound. Yet for all of its gold-like splendor, man spurns it, forgetting that it was forged in the divine mint of a Creator’s mind as currency for joy. Nevertheless, in all of its hated existence, it does stand out as being an example of the command, “Be fruitful and multiply,” and the process with which the dandelion carries this out is through a process of drying and striking.

The drying of the dandelion comes after the flower (yes flower: I will call it a flower, for that is what is) has been properly pollinated and flowered for its fruit (or in this case, parachutes) to mature. The drying process takes a couple of days, usually one to two, after which the folds come off, revealing the cotton sphere of seeds tied like soldiers to their parachutes. This globe has been referred to as “dandelion snow.”

Upon reaching this stage, the next begins: the striking. This epoch in the existence of every dandelion is carried about by you, me, the wind, grass, falling leaves, and any object that finds itself convenient enough to disturb this happy summer snow-globe. Upon blowing, or being struck, parachute and seed disperse with speed and purpose, even as the soldiers of D-Day, to the ground where they will be planted in order to start the process over again in a matter of days.

Thus, the process is complete: from summer golden-sunshine to winter cotton-snow, the dandelion has filled its existence with more flourish than all the others of his family. Though it may be a wannabe or a scapegrace, to be met with the sight of a dandelion after the trials of “fire and darkness,” or emotions high and low, or tempers often hot, or shoulders often cold, one comes to the conclusion that it, like a lions tooth as its name suggests, bites and devours the cobwebs of tomorrow and ushers in the light of the sun—the sun, as yellow as its peddles. It is indeed God’s currency for joy!

Photo taken from www.fiftyfootshadows.net. A website that I love muchly.