Dragons

Photo Credit : theartorder.com

Maps used to say,
“here where dragons lay,”
but they don’t anymore,
even though
the dragons
still exist,
hide under every layer
of sand, skin, and street.
They no longer
provide unsuspecting travelers
with cautionary advice
on which paths
lead to terror
and which to happiness.
We must take our own risks
and keep open eyes
wary of danger
and pernicious people.
We were once warned
of dragons and
used to carry maps.
Now our footsteps
drift towards the precipice
of regret and pain
and our knees shake
and our fingers fumble
through the darkness
that lurks.
It seems as though
princesses and dragons,
evil witches and kings
manifest into our reality.
Yet no one is truly saved
by a shining knight
or a charming prince.
Instead we seek mundanity
and mistake it
for safety.
I know I can never
be a princess
but does that mean
I have to stop believing
in magic and
possibility and
true love?
Isn’t there
a Great Perhaps
somewhere
and shouldn’t we all
keep reaching for it?
The dragons
are hiding,
waiting to strike,
but I can’t keep
hiding and pretending.
Can you?