The Dragon

By Geoffrey Hart

Previously published as: Hart, G. 2024. The Dragon (poem). Polar Starlight 15 (June 20204): 13-14.

I came upon a dragon while I trod a distant shore
And we sat and talked for hours ’bout the vanished days of yore
For we both agreed we missed them and preferred them to the present
Though we sat beside the surf, which was more than passing pleasant.

I reclined upon the sand, shoulders braced against his back
Which was clad in silvered scales, that had once been shiny black
While his long neck curved to face me, ancient sad eyes steeped in time,
Which unblinking shared my thoughts, gently reading from my mind.

He remarked he missed the days when he’d watched for passing knights
Clad in polished, clinking armour, gone abroad a-seeking fights
Bearing tokens from their ladies, and bright courage in their hearts
Seeking fame and golden treasure for their travels in strange parts.

So I told him how I’d wandered, seeking nothing I could name
But he shook his massive head, claiming that was not the same
“For you seek to know of life, which you seek as you seek breath
But those knights who bravely faced me sought instead a noble death.”

Then he talked to me of causes, quests which raised up all the land
Kindling fire in mortal hearts, set aflame by king’s command
And he asked if modern Man still pretended to that spirit
And although I sought examples, I could think of nothing near it.

Then he spoke to break my silence, turned his tales towards romance
And his stories kept me spellbound so I sat as if entranced
Glistening tears upon my cheeks, feeling pain astride my heart
But his eyes held warm compassion and I felt the pain depart.

Then there came a time of silence, seeking solace in our thoughts
While before us wild surf thundered, unperturbed by what we sought
We took comfort from each other, just two souls who mourned in vain
Knowing that we two remembered, those brave times though nought remained.

When the sunset came upon me, I so sadly took my leave
Though his eyes once more found mine, and I had no heart to grieve
For he told me he’d remain here for as long as one still dreamed
He had reason to keep living, his existence was redeemed.

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