Dandelion
I don’t belong here.
Poems are for roses -
dainty petals
and delicate scent.
No crystal vase for me.
No well-tended bed.
Uninvited,
I’ll lead a bold rebellion
across your lawn.
A fiery riot
over grassy verge.
Each golden head
a stubborn stamp
of triumph
for downy seeds
blown far and wide.
My beauty is sturdy,
defiant.
Grasp my tenacious roots,
taste the ancient healing
in my bitter leaves.
Go on – make a wish!
Poems are for roses -
dainty petals
and delicate scent.
No crystal vase for me.
No well-tended bed.
Uninvited,
I’ll lead a bold rebellion
across your lawn.
A fiery riot
over grassy verge.
Each golden head
a stubborn stamp
of triumph
for downy seeds
blown far and wide.
My beauty is sturdy,
defiant.
Grasp my tenacious roots,
taste the ancient healing
in my bitter leaves.
Go on – make a wish!
This poem is copyright (©) Paula Thompson 2026
About the Writer
Paula Thompson
Paula is a children’s writer and former newspaper journalist from Hampshire with an MA distinction in Writing for Children. She is a winner of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Undiscovered Voices competition and longlisted as one of London Library’s Emerging Writers 2024/25. Paula’s poetry and fiction for children has featured in various publications in the UK and overseas. She is very excited to be taking flight on The Dirigible Balloon!
