The Day of the Dragon

If you could have been there
you would have seen
the smooth, impenatrable scales
reflected in my eyes
and the firey breath
waxing and waning between
the incisors dripping
with blood.

If you could have been there
you would have seen
the set of my shoulders
and not the fear
that I hid
in the pit of my stomach
like Atlas
loosing his grip
in the sweat of his hands.


If you could have been there
you would have seen
me
facing the beast
with vigor and desire
and courage.
Me.
Sprinting toward death
or life reclaimed
to stand upon that
translucent wing
and straddle the back
Me.


If you could have been there
you would have been moved
with terror and
passion as was I
riding the Dragon
bolting
bucking
burning
and I held.


If you could have been there
you would have heard
the warrior
cry
the ancient in battle
the mother in prayer
the sister in lament
and my will determined
victory
as I held.


If you could have been there
you would have seen
magnificent valor
in that space and time
the look of amazement
reflected in my eyes
walking toward peace
and only then realizing
my boots have been singed.

If you could have been there
you would have seen.