The Dragon Flies

The Dragon Flies


The Emperor, a dragon,
emerges from his lair,
undergoes a transformation,
magic without incantation,

Doffs his armour, brown and drab
to go about his task.
Emerging now in dazzling hues
he adds some glamour to the scene.

Weak from lack of food he flies,
devouring what he can,
building strength and stamina.
The days he has are very few
to do what he must do.

In coat of brightest blue he goes
to find a mate before he dies,
with breath-arresting, death-defying,
aerial skills and expertise,
by force he takes his kingdom from
whoever ruled before.

A damsel and her lover lie
embracing, unsuspecting.
Nearby the dragon waits until
her lover leaves her there
then pounces on the hapless creature;
razor sharp, his jaws devour.

The dragon's days are numbered though.
One day a new contender comes
to challenge for dominion.
The Emperor does his best to fight
but battered, tattered wings are weak
and this time he's defeated.

Ten days were all he had to rule,
ten days of mating, fighting, feeding,
meeting every challenge while
the force of life was strong.

A brief life has the dragonfly,
once he leaves the water.

Christine
© 2004
edited 2010