The Golden Dragon

The golden dragon slowly stirred
lurking in his deep dark cave
His empty stomach sleep deterred
Hungry for some knight or knave


He longs to once again hear
the boast of one who’d dare
to challenge him with sword or spear
and face the battle square


But the days of noble knights
have long since come and gone
Now the daze of immobile nights
withers his will to carry on


Dragons are a long-lived breed
and rarely will they fall sick
Unless by fatal blow they bleed
they just don’t die so quick


Lacking strength to venture out
to find the smallest meal
He knows this, beyond a doubt
is a most vexing ordeal


But dragons always have some luck
despite what else they might lack
and the misstep of a wayward duck
provided a much needed snack


One small duck, barely a bite,
but better than starvation
And soon enough he felt alright
That duck was his salvation


He ventured forth outside his den
And left behind his treasure
To seek sustenance once again
Something of larger measure


He came across a green pasture wide
with many cattle grazing
He snatched one up and cooked its hide
with dragon fire blazing


His stomach full, he leapt in the air
and beat his mighty wings
He soared about the country fair
and noticed many things


The castles had all fallen down
and all their moats were drained
But in their place sat a great town
With strange buildings all arranged


He flew through thick smog and smoke
that came from some strange fires
Fumes that made him cough and choke
were spewed by tall, gray spires


He did not recognize this place
he’d been away too long
Then sorrow washed across his face
as he wailed a woeful song


The golden dragon turned away
and flew back to his den
Sadly he would have to stay
asleep and dream of When