Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Dragon Slayer Fragment


I strapped the leather on him.
Fastened buckles at the shoulder.
Tightened buckles at the waist.

For decades have I worn it,
but the decades have made haste.
A stripling I was, only,
when I first took sword in hand.
Head thrown back. Muscles sure.
I have served my people bravely,
with willing heart I took command:
I fought the dragons of the land.

I was chosen by the people.
All my ancestors were warriors
(but for one who was a poet).
So, my son, you have the power.
You will feel it, you will know it,
when in dragon-fight you stand.

"In readiness to hold my sword-
in faithfulness to keep my word-
in service true to give my life."
Thus the oath of dragon-strife.

Only yesterday a baby
I held close against my breast.
Now he stands so tall before me
strong enough to stand the test.
Let the mother heart within me
wish him courage, wish him well,
as he faces, as he trained to,
Fang and claw and breath of hell.

-HJ Sept 2009

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