Gentle despair

The dandelion was once a flower beloved
But now widely considered an annoying weed
Dandelions grow and grow and grow
They can survive anywhere it seems
From the soil in the cracks of trees
To the soil lining sidewalks and streets
Yellow, bright and daring the world to see
That it can survive whatever is thrown at it
Dandelions don't go down without a fight
You can pour your chemicals, vinegars and salt on them
Dance around them; even scream a chant,
But dandelions will never bend to our will
Our youth assign magic to those plants
Wishes are made as we help them spread
Closed eyes and open hearts
We love them through our hatred
They break through the cement in our hearts
Freeing us to see inner strength
And the power of deep root systems
For our flowers can be plucked
Our leaves pulled off and our support system destroyed
But even if it's just a section of root that remains
We can grow back with power and the ability to thrive
Dandelions don't give into gentle despair
And neither should you
Apathy is never an option
Just keep figuring out how to break that concrete