Field Of Dreams

They say that as they age, beautiful, yellow dandelions become white and wispy so the wind can carry their souls. But all I see is magic, wishes and dreams. Hopes, aspirations and inspiration. I don’t see a field of weeds, only a field of wishes waiting to be carried away to faraway places.

These seeds were my inspiration as I grew from child to adult. As an infant, I was always looking for fairies inside bluebells and harebells. Under mushrooms and toadstools. In my world, dandelion seeds were fairies in disguise and I was setting them free to go on a new journey. Journeys I would later write about in my children’s stories.

I learned to count and tell the time by setting the seeds free. Then came love. If all the seeds were dispersed in one blow, then I would marry the one I was in love with. If it took more than one breath, then it would be another.

Over the years, childhood fantasies changed. Life changed. College, career. How many hills must I climb to reach my goals? Will I pass the interview? Only the dandelion seeds had the answers to my questions.

Every time I see these fluffy spheres, I have to take a breath and blow. How beautiful they are. How magical they look floating in the warm breezes. I watch them shimmer under the sun as they fly away, hoping they will carry my thoughts and dreams with them.

Where will the seeds land? Will it be on the path, rocky ground or amongst the bushes? Or will they come to rest on good soil so they can germinate and bring new life? I do worry about them.

Now my grandchildren are inspired by their beauty. There is no need to wait for the wind. As soon as they see them, they rush towards them, pick them and make their wishes. Naturally, we check first, to make sure there are no fairies hiding in the puffballs.