From the moment I first sprouted from the ground, the gardeners of this world looked upon me with disdain. Every year when I show my face, they attack me. With poisons and blades, they force me back into the ground, thinking they’ve won. And yet I remain.

With my roots buried deep in the cracked sidewalk, I cement my place in this world. I watch the gardeners through their windows, and listen to the stories they tell the little gardeners.

Today, I caught the end of an argument between a Big gardener and Little gardener.

“Wish on the stars,” the Big gardener says. He does a poor job of matching his words to a melody we’ve all heard before. “Maybe you’ll get some tomorrow.”

“The stars aren’t even out!”

Their argument fades away, the Big gardener insisting the sun is also a star.

I look to the sun.

All these years, it’s provided me with warmth and food, but never wishes.

“Do you listen to our wishes?” I ask.

“. . .”

“The gardeners despise me,” I continue, my desperation pulling forth my words. “I do not know why. I’ve done nothing to them– I’m just as much of a flower as their roses and petunias, aren’t I?”

“. . .”

“I just wish they would see me as something more…”

The sun does not respond in a way that I hear. Instead, I’m met with the sound of thundering footsteps racing towards me.

The Little gardener stands before me. He grins and lifts me up to meet his gaze.

“Mom said you guys give wishes too,” he whispers.

Really? If the stars gave wishes, could it be possible for me to absorb the power through the sun’s light?

With closed eyes, he takes in a deep breath. A great gust of wind is summoned, and I soar.

I can see the entire garden from above. The care the gardeners give to their plants. To each other.

I hear the joyful music of an ice cream truck. The Little gardener runs to the Big one, begging for money.

Our wishes come true.

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    Carrie OLeary
    Carrie OLeary(@carrie-oleary)
    1 year ago

    This is a really cute story, Mae, and I love the point of view. Very nicely done

    Emily O'Leary
    Emily O'Leary(@emily-oleary)
    1 year ago

    A beautiful story, Mae! I’m glad the dandelions got their wishes, they’re beautiful in their own right and deserve to soar!

    Margarida Brei
    Margarida Brei(@margarida-brei)
    1 year ago

    Mae, I really like the way you have delved sympathetically into the thoughts of a dandelion. I think they are as beautiful as your image shows and unfairly treated as a weed.

    Sandra James
    Sandra James(@sandra-james)
    1 year ago

    Oh Mae, what a wonderful interpretation of the prompt! A heartwarming story, you had me ‘wishing’ all through for the dandelion to get its wish, and a lovely ending. Well done!

    Linda Rock
    Linda Rock(@linda-rock)
    1 year ago

    Your story brought to mind the wildflowers that grow on the nature reserve close to where I live, Mae. They are truly beautiful in their own right, just like your dandelion. As Sandra has said, yours is such a heartwarming story. I loved it!

    Lotchie Carmelo
    Lotchie Carmelo(@lotchie-carmelo)
    1 year ago

    It is a unique touch of the prompt “secret wish”. I am so happy that the dandelion wish came true. Well done, Mae. 

    Bella Minyo
    Bella Minyo(@bella-minyo)
    1 year ago

    Wonderful personification of the dandelion and giving it thoughts and wishes! I like that the dandelion was like an outsider’s perspective on how wishes work. Great writing Mae, I enjoyed reading your story!

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