There is a story once was told To very young from very old Once fact now fable thought to be But, it is true, believe you me. It's details thus, as you will see -------------- Once upon awhile ago Up on a mountain dipped in snow There lived a delicate but strong Dragon for her whole life long She was quite big (not overweight) But all who saw her fought a faint. Her colors: modest rainbow tones Her spikes: like orange traffic cones Her scales would sparkle in the light Her eyes a vibrant chalcanthite But most of all she stood there sought By local men; a prize if caught Among themselves (as they would drink) They'd talk about their plans, "I think..." (Said one espesh’ly proudful man) "I think I could, well heck, I can! I'll go right up there, yes, right now And harness her, I'll show you how! I'll traipse right through the hill and dale This plan of mine, it will not fail!" And off he went right out the door And after that was seen no more The men? They started up again, With theories, strategies and then... One quiet voice was heard come through (As if on signal or on cue) From a young knight that few there knew "Has anyone gone up to say 'How are you doing, how’s your day?' Perhaps she only wants a friend She's all alone and up there denned Perhaps she'd simply like to spend Some time just chatting, in the end" This scrawny chap who'd spoken up Was looked upon as a mere pup He was quite short compared to them; His figure like an uncut gem His eyes were sensitive and deep And seemed that they may eas'ly weep He had some hair, but not too much And always had his sword in clutch This pup-like lad, let's call him, Jim (For no one knew the name of him) Had silenced even loud-mouth Jake (Who'd talk the icing off a cake Or talk the water off a lake Who'd always yell "for heaven's sake" Then lift his fist and rudely shake His coins and say "I need more steak!" In turn he'd make the rafters quake And cause your eardrums thus to ache) Yes, Jim's small speech caused verbal break "I think I'll go up there quite soon” Said Jim as he put down his spoon “In fact, maybe this afternoon!" And with that he slid off his chair And walked out into the fresh air Now as Jim headed up the hill The silence that he caused hung still (The men were pondering Jim's skill) And after this lasted some time The great speaker himself did chime "He'll never make it" spoke Sir Jake And each head there nodded a shake -------------------- As Jim began his noble quest He checked his compass, heading West "Some supplies I think I’ll need Including a good book to read!” And with that thought he found a store And bought a book (and some things more) Passing through the main town drag He soon arrived at “Dragon’s Crag” (The men would often gloat and brag Of clam’ring up its zig and zag) Jim whistled a fine traveller's tune And was quite shocked… It seemed too soon When he emerged atop the hill And saw her house; his heart stood still (I feel I need to be more clear By "her" I mean our Dragon dear And when I call her cave a "home" It's cuz it had a real nice dome Shape to it. Quite roomy too Although it smelt a hint of poo To much detail, I’m so sorry Let's just get back to the story And so Jim thought, as he arrived "No one who's been here has survived I could be making a new friend Or this could really be the end But what the hey, I'll take the risk If I'm to die, it’ll be real brisk" Resisting thoughts of being fried He took a step or two inside Then with a gulp of air he cried "You really shouldn't be so snide Your door is opened up real wide Almost as if you’d give a ride To anyone who needs a guide Dare I suggest,” he boldly plied “That we should take a jaunt outside?” He figured humour should be tried And sure enough it got him eyed But when her gaze upon him spied He lost his nerve and planned his glide When all a’sudden something sighed And paused a moment, then replied "Is it for answer that you bide? Your humour stinks,” she vilified And at that moment in her head We would have heard these words be said "If this is Fred, I'll blast him dead He’s come before, but then he fled I'll fill him with my fear and dread My flame will blow, my claws will shred" But then she took a closer look And hiding in a small cave nook Stood one small man who clutched a book "Are you a friend or just a crook?" Questioned the Dragon; poised to cook "His eyes are sensitive", she thought "And if he meant harm he'd have fought Me right away; right on the dot Plus he looks nice, not too hairy And is that a small tear I see? Although that clutching, sworded hand May quickly get him crisply tanned” But then her reflexes kicked in “What is he doing in my den? He should get out, go home, be gone! He had a sword, it would be drawn And very soon he’d gain his brawn I'll be his trophy before dawn” She started getting huffy then Thinking "he's trespassed in my den! I'll eat him! No, I'm not hungry I'll roast him! No, that smells like pee Oh! I know how he'll leave me be! I'll smoke him out so he can’t see He’ll stumble off a cliff, will he And tumble down into the sea Then I will once again be free! Yes, yes, that’s good! Good thinking me!” Then to her came a calming thought, Maybe her fear was all for nought. If he began to misbehave Or turned out just to be a knave There’s still a way that she could save her tail. Why, she could leave the cave; She would not have to be his slave! And in this thought she felt quite brave. And with a puff and breath of air She looked at him and said (and stared) “You seem to be a nice lil' chap Although this all could be a trap This is something quite new for me I've never been outside you see I'll go with you, I'm not afraid! And really, you are quite outweighed” The knight agreed and they went out Not hand in hand but arm on snout They had a grand ol' time out there Until they ran into a bear But that was ended quickly with A little breath and fiery sniff In case you're wond'ring what went down They never did return to town At which the bar men turned a frown And Sir Jake cried, “she took him down” Most assumed a death occurred But something even more absurd Had taken place atop that hill Both Jim and Dragon chose at will To face their fears and not to kill Instead they lead a happy life Living man, and scaly wife ---------------- Now, I feel I need to interject Before your eyes roll in your neck This is a different type of story No claim to fame or quest for glory No mutilation; nothing gory Just two in like who fell in love What more should a story be of?