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George Lewis Avery

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yep i know
sometimes the hairs on the nape of my neck will bristle
like as from the static amidst a storm
just before the lightning strikes
and boulders roll from skyward

and i know it s no haven near the water
nor beneath a tree away from the banks
and yet i cannot bring myself to flee
even when i see the dragon lumbering past
i am not courageous nor am i a fool
but i trust in my armour as all adventurers do

i am drawn to the wasteland just as the dragon is
but while it cavorts and frolics in the blistering heat
i get out my ledger and i take notes
and draw sketches of the brute at play

i know the risks i take and i have no deathwish
in olden tymes perhaps i d brandish sword and shield
mayhap i d meet the beast afield and die a hero s death
else i d slay it through some mishap of fate and become a king
but dragons today are scarce in fact i know of none
but one

yes there is a danger in this pond
where a dragon lurks below the surface
- who knows what all she does there
likewise what hour she might emerge

i expect to get eaten because i sport with dragons
and we all know dragons hold no allegiences
and although history will not document
i hope i ll be content in the knowledge of
with whom i shared my final meal
and that will be my grandest hour

.oeg ©