Cradling

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