For NaPoWhiMo – day 14
Card 3, Gallery 1
A Dragon Warrior’s Oath
Has seen him before, pacing
slowly alongside her in dreams,
just beyond shadows. Knows
him to be fighter of dragons, using
lance to right wrongs, strong
warrior who never speaks.
Eyes reaching forward, he
keeps his own council.
Has frightened her in past.
Making her think of fragile
live she lives, how easily
it might be broken, brought
to an end.
Has never seen herself
as fighter of wrongs needing
to be righted. More healer,
preferring words in songs
about soul needing to find
wholeness. Peaceful resolution
taking place within inner person.
Now, for first time, he turns
to her, reaching with eyes,
seeking recognition. She hears
rough voice inside her head,
“Your pen is a lance. Words used
another kind of weapon. For years,
you have honed them to pierce
darkness of ignorance, bringing
light to real world of dragons
that live in human shadows. Lifting
burdens of distress buried deep
in psyche. Releasing from tangled
bonds those who, out of fear,
avoid the dragons that dwell
within. Helping us all to see
what these ancients creatures
are attempting to teach us.
I come to honor spirit of Warrior
within you, the same as that within
me. You and I share a soul. Your
way is bold, Dragon Woman, and I
salute you.”
Nodding, she breathes in his words,
letting them settle, finding permanent
home there, deep at her center. Now
lifts her head, eyes reaching forward,
moves to do as she feels bidden.
Elizabeth Crawford 4/14/11
Notes: Have long believed that the dragons of mythology, most often symbolize human fears and senses of limitations, used to excuse our reluctance to even begin our journey toward soul and wholeness. However, the dragons are there for a reason. Instead of slaying them, we need to confront what we fear, make friends with them, and free ourselves for change and forward movement. I have written about dragons on my other site: http://intuitivepaths.wordpress.com/ if anyone is interested.
Soul Cards: both galleries may be viewed by clicking on image. They were created by Deborah Koff-Chapin, and her site may be found here: http://www.touchdrawing.com/
You imply that the warrior dragon is a metaphor, and that explanation is a comforting one; as is the idea of words as a kind of weapon. That weapon can be a double-edged sword, when used for good; but they can also be harmful. We poets must write responsibly, thinking always of the effect our words will have. Your poem is a serious attempt to give us these truths. Thank you.
And thank you Viv. I used to be a very angry person, even feared what that anger was doing to me. Then I found words and they were the weapon I needed to pierce that anger and release what was bubbling there. And yes, you are correct that words can be a two-edged sword, and that responsibility is the key. Myth is rich with lessons to be learned, and I wanted to share at least some of that.
Elizabeth
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Interesting that we don’t know what people think of us but we don’t always know what we think of ourselves.
Tilly Bud, I find the second one more interesting than the first. Self-exploration was key to my classroom experience, and it is key to much of the poetry I write. I truly believe that the more we know of self, the more we can see the truth in those around us. Thanks for your thoughtful comments,
Elizabeth
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She’s now facing her fears – gaining wisdom…
Thank you Stan for the understanding. You are absolutely correct.
Elizabeth
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You use your weapon wisely…bravo!
Thank you Gloria, words to warm a warrior’s heart,
Elizabeth
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This brings images to me of a distant past, of a forgotten world, of a secret place, and reminds me of The Different One’s!
Sounds like you know something very deep!!!
If you mean something deep within me, then you are right. And yes, I like this poem because it covers all of which you speak. Thanks Andy,
Elizabeth
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Well done journey. We all share the dragon, her breath warm upon my cheek, reminds us that we can fly, and we can carry the sword when needed.
It is a weapon of choice and the dragon in me laughs often, even sings on occasion. Thank you Annell for your support and encougagement,
Elizabeth
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Elizabeth, I have a love of dragons as well, and I echo Viv’s sentiments 100%. A wonderful piece of writing.
Pamela
Pamela, I have been intrigued with dragons for a whole lot of years. Have written about them often, and have learned a great deal from their stories. Glad to know we share that same feeling,
Elizabeth
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Oh I so love this! A Warrior Dragon Woman, using her words to help us see, which is what you do, Elizabeth. I love this interpretation of the image. You see Beyond, and you help us to do that, too. So well done!
Sherry, I’m so glad you enjoyed it. And you are far to generous, my friend. The shadow in the image has always intrigued me. And this was an opportunity to explore it,
Elizabeth
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Oh the dragons within, and words as lance. What a wonderful empowering story. You’ve held us enthralled Elizabeth.
Actually Irene, I am enthralled by what is unfolding here. Songs and dragons, lances and poems, words and footsteps, soul and bones. Who knew? Glad to know you are enjoying it,
Elizabeth
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