steven cooke
Epitaph of the Dragon
Chained to these walls of despair
I was condemned by a Judas race.
Assassins’ wait on every corner
hiding in the lights of man
looking for my face.
To be last of your species is a lonely place
in loneliness everyone’s your enemy,
my existence violates this earth.
I am demonised by children not yet born
for I am Auschwitz I am war,
I am the monster behind your door.
Cremation is ordained upon my soul
the future dies when cities burn.
Life gives way to extinction
but the last rights give way to destiny
for the dragon has one last legacy.
Lead me to your abattoir
and take my dignity.
My scales will provide a heroes shield
this blood will give you courage.
Take these eyes made of jade
but do not look too close
for I may possess you.
Artisans take my teeth
record my sins in scrimshaw
for I have flown amongst you.
Memories laid down in human bone
for the samurai has felt my breath
and his god has knelt before me.
Immortality now gives way to fairy tales
Dragons used to frighten children
for it is all you have,
to protect them from reality.
Though some will grow
to envy me.
The truth of mankind
lies on the artists brush
Skilfully mixing your colours of deceit.
Dragons are not your heroes
your excuse, you were following orders.
The dragon is the darkest secret of mankind,
in your actions I became the executioner
and you a plague of demons
that washed my soul away.
But always remember,
when you look into the fire
there will always be a dragon
looking back at you.
Waiting to reclaim his throne
from the demons that exist in you.
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