A reflection on love and expectations.
A chapter in the book Songs of Recovery
Dragon Slayer
We are told to seek out true love’s kiss
and brave knights in shining armor,
because here, in the world, dragons roam
the difficult mountains of our lives,
and every girl is a princess,
waiting as a prize for a savior.
And I think perhaps I have found myself
something entirely different than a dragonslayer.
When the reptilian eyes of envy settle
upon me and chill my bones to freezing,
it is your hand that steadies my shoulder.
When the fire surges down in waves
I do not think I can withstand,
it is your voice that reminds me of my shield.
When my hands shake because I hurt
and I do not think it is in me to slay the beast,
I feel your grip around my fingers,
holding my sword to my hand,
and then love comes as a simple reminder:
“Of course you can do this.”
My life has many dragons to vanquish,
each a battle harder fought than the last
until I am beaten and bloody and bowed.
So often I do not think I can continue,
yet you are there whispering, “I have faith in you.”
Your life has many dragons to vanquish,
each a vicious monster lurking in mental shadows,
no less intolerable and difficult than my own,
and when you stumble, I catch you in my arms,
because I see all of hope and trust in you.
I am not your prize, nor are you my knight,
and neither of us wear armor gleaming in the sun,
but when the dragons press all around,
my back meets yours and I feel safe,
because I know we can do this together—where none could alone.
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Free Form Poetry Contest contest entry
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K. Olsen
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K. Olsen
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