Where is the dragon?
Put down your shield, there is no need for such things
Where is the dragon? Where are its claws?
Nay, no such beast is in sight, yet you see it clearly
Here, it cannot exist, here it cannot fly, no wicked scales or jagged teeth
But beneath your helm, in the crest of bone and flesh, rests the horrid thing
in a deep slumber atop its fortune of fantasies. You just but try and take one
and it will wake, and too soon you will raise your shield again.
A wise move, were you at risk. Rational and bold, you stand hardy and ardent.
What vile torch shall breach your steeled buckler? None, you must think.
But young fool, your back is exposed to the most clandestine of conquerors;
this thing -this beast- of no form, no wings, or teeth. There is no defending from it
No castle walls can offer sanctuary, no books of faith, no sword or shield.
May I make a suggestion?
Step out from the fortress, put down the shield, and concede your strength.
Follow the flames as they touch your skin, allow it to cook and char your flesh.
You have never been burned, no? Is it different than how you imagined?
Perhaps. Perhaps not, but now you can hold and bear the dreams
you once dreamt and see the map you once made; travel and roam as far and as wide
as you once sought to do.
The beast will follow, for all yearnings come with a price,
but only you will have seen the mountain tops and open seas.
Only you will have learned the songs and the odes.
Only you will have felt the warmth of a lover's lips.
Only you will smile when the hand of fate finds you.
You were burned once, so what’s one more time?
(formatting is messed up for mobile readers)
Posted Jul 30, 2021, 5:27 PM UTC · edited
This poem, I love it. I love the alluding to the dragon being inside your own head. I love the imagery so much of you having to put down your shield and stop fighting. In my own experience with memories of pain, I had to let go of what could have been. I think this poem shows how you have to let go of bad memories to find the greatness in life. Not that the pain won’t ever come again, but it will be worth the rest of your life in exchange.
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I’m glad you liked it. Thank you for sharing your feedback! That’s a valuable point you make :) and I agree wholeheartedly