Dragons again. This time they are unhappy and in need of a cuddle, if you can imagine that. Thinking this way cuts scary things down to size, makes them more manageable, at least that’s my theory. Try it and see if it works for you.
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CRADLING 
an armful of dragons
and nowhere to put them
I pass counters
beds, balconies, and chairs
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the dragons cling
to safety, nestle close
weeping fire on my t-shirt
a snout dribbles embers
needing to be wiped
the handkerchief burns
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I toss it away
stroke shuddering scales
until they stop roaring misery
and settle to simmering flame
on my shoulders
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first published in Big Pulp
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About Joanna M. Weston
Born in England, she is now living in Shawnigan Lake, BC. She is married to Robert, an accountant, and they have three sons,
Andrew
Jon
Mark
... and two cats, Alice and Chaucer.
Joanna has an MA from the University of British Columbia. She has published in numerous anthologies and in magazines in Canada, the US, UK, and New Zealand, such as Canadian Women's Studies, Convolvus, Endless Mountains Review, Grain, Green's Magazine, Prairie Fire, Spin, Wascana Review, CBC Gallery, and many more...
Clarity House Press has published several of her chapbooks including:
Berry and the Birthday Band (2010)
One of These Little Ones (1987) – out of print
Cuernavaca Diary (1990) – out of print
Seasons (1993) – out of print
Watch-night (2005) – out of print
