If I Were A Dandelion, How Many Seeds Would I Have?

by Mahal Ko Kuya Ko   Oct 9, 2023


In you, I have found dandelions
a multitude of times --
both in your presence and distance.

Initially,
on the 24th day of November,
you were in maroon,
tables were dusty,
and the night sky resembled
the shade of shirt I was wearing.

The sea of cars
in the busy roads of EDSA,
a contrast to
the silent sleepers of Cubao,
a reflection of my beating heart --
wearing off the colors of sunsets
I usually harbour
and the magnitude of
stories I never finish.

I even found dandelions
on the rained alleyways of this avenue
and in the 7-Eleven near the laundromat,
we talked that night,
backpack was unusually heavy
and so was my heart,
I was supposed to give you
a birthday gift,
but you needed to be somewhere --

Somewhere
where dandelions cannot grow,
a no entry sign for someone
who loves metaphors,
who thinks love is something
which can be figuratively carried to you.

I spent this Saturday
telling myself those former places
will not haunt me anymore,
the April skies I used to admire
will never return.

But they still do,
and in the dreary hours of the night,
I catch myself always thinking of you.

I still find dandelions each time --
especially in your absence.

    report violation
5


Did You Like This Poem?

Latest Comments

  • 6 months ago

    by Poet on the Piano

    Your verses flow so beautifully, and the specifics you gave here with the dates, places, and imagery... they all added such meaning to this piece and it feels like a sacred space between you and this person. The title holds such significance too. It makes me think of when people blow on dandelions to make wishes, spreading the seeds. And if you blow all the seeds in one breath, then the person you love will love you back. Or it could be these seeds represent all the wishes remaining, the time you want to spend with this person, the opportunities, the potential for something together.

    "wearing off the colors of sunsets
    I usually harbour
    and the magnitude of
    stories I never finish."

    - Speechless at this! And how you wove the meaning of dandelions into the rest of the piece, the longing for this person, the memories that still haunt you despite trying to move forward. Like how they have moved forward to these place without dandelions and without that "love for metaphors".

    The last two lines hold so much emotion. The reminders of those who aren't with us, how we can find so much in their absence, how we can be reminded by even the smallest things that others might take for granted.

    Added to my favorites! I enjoy reading your poetry so much.

More Poems By Mahal Ko Kuya Ko

People Who Liked This Also Liked