In “Dandelion in the Dust,” young poet Caitlyn captures a quiet moment of resilience amid the storms of self-doubt and bullying. Through the simple image of a dandelion growing against all odds, she reminds us that even in the harshest environments, hope can bloom. The poem speaks to anyone who has ever felt small, unseen, or hurt by unkindness — yet found strength in something fragile but real. For Caitlyn, the dandelion is more than a flower — it’s a wish, a symbol of healing, and a ripple of courage against cruelty. Her words invite us to pause, breathe, and believe that every act of empathy can turn dust into light.
Dandelion in the dust
The sand hits your eyes
as you shield them while walking.
The voices ring in your head –
they shout and scream out
all your insecurities.
You look to the ground.
In front of you, a dandelion –
one with perfect white petals
that grew with its green stem.
You think, “How is it there?”
You bend down and pick it up.
Its roots clinging to it too.
You hold it close.
Suddenly, you feel all time stop,
as you stood with the dandelion.
You blow into it, wishing goodbye,
seeing the seeds dispersing with the wind.
Suddenly, the dust comes to a halt, and,
you see someone ahead of you
One that looks like you –
the same features, the same eyes,
but with a confidence.
They look into your empty soul
and extend a hand
You hesitantly take it
and you fly with them.
You’re not sure where you’re heading
but hopefully it’s far away,
from all those voices
Poet Details
- Caitlyn S Lobo
- 10th grade, at Al Diyafah High School, Dubai
- 15 years old
