Dandy Boy

​Dandy Boy
 
As I was digging up the weeds with my trusty trowel
I saw something flitter by and then I heard a howl.
 
“Ouch!” I heard, “please do stop! and leave us all alone
You almost knocked me off of my shiny golden throne!”
 
I looked and bent down on my knee and who did I see?
A tiny little fairy boy looking up at me.
 
He stood up tall amidst the grass of polka dotted yellow
He was not afraid of me, this brave and jolly fellow.
 
His jacket gold had buttons brown, with edges rough and ragged
His collar green it zigged and zagged and it was kind of jagged.
 
His buttery hair of curly locks was scriffy and a scruffy
His scepter tall of tiny seeds was round and kind of puffy.
 
He smiled at me and bid ‘bonjour’ with his eyes of blue
They twinkled in the morning sun and even sparkled too.
 
But best of were his green tights with yellow polka dots
They were fun to look at and I liked them quite a lot!
 
He told me of his kingdom bright, this little fairy boy
Of dandelions in the grass, his noble pride and joy.
 
“Oh yes, my name is Dandy Boy, I am the Golden King
Of this dandelion patch in the time of spring!
 
My name it comes from the French, 'Dent de Lion' you see
Its meaning is the 'Lion’s Tooth', like jagged leaves of green.
 
Like the Lion is the king of the jungle land
I am ruler of this field, it is at my command.
 
All kinds of creatures greet me and my flowers all the day
The ladybugs and honeybees and beetles black and grey.
 
The caterpillars and the birds also like to feast
While rabbits like to nibble on the young and tender leaves.
 
So please don’t dig the dandelions or mow them all away
Leave them in the grass to grow and let my creatures play!”
 
 
I thanked the little Dandy Boy, the sunny, yellow King
For caring for his kingdom bright in the months of spring.
 
And now when I see the polka dotted field of gold
I take a moment and think about that royal kingdom bold.
 
I put my trusty trowel away and watch with wondrous eyes
Honeybees and caterpillars and the butterflies.
 
I smile at they gather round these little blossoms yellow
And visit with the Dandy Boy, that jolly little fellow.

written by Christine Summerfield, May 5, 2018