Fighting Dragons and Foes

The color of hope after the battle.....

Author’s note: please be aware of the language. The poem was written to shed light on the impact of verbal abuse. Thank you.

1. The first dragon was black with pointy scales that rose along its back. His red eyes gleamed under black feathery eyebrows. He hissed, “I wouldn’t piss on you if you were on fire.”

-Dressed in body armor, chainmail top, helmet with shield, I said loudly, “Am I too bright for you? Phoenixes rise from the ashes.” I drew my sword.

2. A second blue dragon flew in. It’s nostrils blew out smoke and it sneered,

-“You’re a stupid fucking idiot.”

-I maintained my stance and sword positions, brought my shield to the front, and exclaimed,

-“We are all in the school of life and bound to make mistakes. A mistake is a blessing in disguise.”

3. A red dragon slithered to the other side of the black one, looked at me piercingly, and yelled,

-“I never want anything to do with you again!”

-I breathed in, closed my eyes briefly, and opened them. They burned. The dragons winced at the sight of me. I maintained my stance and stated:

-“I don’t need someone who doesn’t see my value.”

-I didn’t see anything but bright light. I closed my eyes momentarily.

4. They were gone, but in their place was an older woman with long, salt and pepper hair. She was medium build. Her tan skin was crinkly from years in the sun. She wore a linen tunic dress and was leaning on a knobby, walking stick. She looked at me up and down, and made an assessment:

-“You’re a bitch.”

-I snorted and replied:

-“Takes one to raise one.”

-She continued:

-“You’re dumber than owl shit when it comes to men.”

-I retorted:

-“Who cares? I don’t.”

5. I closed my eyes. The woman disappeared. There in her place was a heavy set man wearing tan pants with a belted burgundy tunic. He had dirty blonde hair and a long beard.

-“You would not make a good mother.”

-I stood up straight and boldly stated:

-“I’ve never been given the chance to be a mother. I’ll prove you wrong.”

-I closed my eyes again.

6. A taller slender man appeared. He wore a black pants and a linen top. His brown hair was thinning but his beard was long and shaggy. His blue eyes pierced mine, and he said haughtily:

-“I want a taller woman.”

-I rolled my eyes and retorted:

-“Good luck with that! I’m perfect for the right man.”

7. I closed my eyes. He had disappeared.

-In his place stood a man with long, light brown hair. His eyes were warm and blue like the sky on a cloudless sunny day. He wore a green linen tunic with a belt over the waist and tan pants. He gave a tender smile and said,

-“I love you. Please let me in your heart.”

-There I stood in my metal armor and helmet. Shield held in front of me and sword ready. I was speechless.

2021