Ode to the Verdugo Mountains

February 26 2023

Ode to the Verdugo Mountains

By Hudley Flipside

In the early morning

there is nothing like driving east

on Sherman Way in the San Fernando Valley.

Not too many drivers

on the road

the view of the Verdugo mountains

are straight ahead.

The Verdugo shine with a blue gray hue

recalling my youthful wild days.

The street is lined

with dark green pepper trees

blocks of brilliant yellow mustard greens

freely enhanced with

miles of tall brown, yellow wheat weeds.

What is left of a wild valley?

It is a cool windy day

the will-o’-the-wisp

goes around and round.

Made up of different colored leaves

memories that stir within me.

Coolness on clothes

distance of windy gray sky

maybe rain will fall

onto the concert of

the Los Angeles River

parallel to

the Verdugo Mountains.

Prehistoric blue gray mountain range

wild dew memories

inspire feelings

I am getting younger

not older.


Mr. Leprechaun’s Ode to the Dandelion

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I am sure there are multibillion dollar businesses to kill the dandelion. ~ Mr. Leprechaun.

I noticed that there are dandelions growing in everyone’s garden after the rain.

I have wild places in my garden where I let the dandelions grow wild again. The birds like them, and the bees and hummingbirds love them. Yellow green sturdy little wild things they are. I love them too. This is an ode to them.

While almost asleep and with the window open to feel the breeze during my nap time, I heard a little story in the wind …

Did you know that if you let the dandelion grow in your garden and on your lawn it is the perfect place for a little leprechaun to rest; in case they cannot find a mushroom that is? If you walk by and see one drinking, it may very well be dandelion beer. They will ask to share some with you. Their pints are about as big as they are. It would be about a cup full for a human being. So, the story I heard is this and it became strangely intimate.

“If you are kind enough to take a sip of me earthy brew, a couple of valuable gold coins will show up on your front door dear.”

“Really I whispered?”

“Yes, and as you pick up the gold, whisper to the wind how the beer tasted to you!”

“I see.”

“I want the truth lassie. No lies. Then I will give you two more gold coins.”

“I hear you.” I spoke.

“Share this story… if you will, Because I need them dandelions to make me brews!!”

Drink me brew, drink me brew

Three pints for me and one for you

Dandelions make a great big stew

Green, yellow and nectar too.

Birds are singing and flowers are wooing

Feet are dancing and twilight coming

We are here and dance and laugh

Rich with gold, gems and beer!!

Dandelions here, Dandelions there

Let them grow, let them grow

Me dear, me dear

Let them grow me dear!!”