The Shapes Of Dragons

Let us just say

I came to know the shapes of dragons

from an early age.

Even in that day,

I could spot a vicious hell-breather coming

from a mile away.

Some of them would come and go.

Some of them would come to stay.

Some of them could be laid low.

Others, however, could not be slain.

      ***

Let me also offer this warning:

Regardless what they are shaped like,

they seldom take the same shape twice…

They may look different come morning.

Though most of them prefer

to take pleasure under the shade of night,

many of them will differ…

These take great pleasure in day light.

You will also come to find

that these are the worst of the breed.

These could easily rival Mankind

when it comes to cunning and agility.

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

What exactly the dragons of this poem are is not stated, but I think it is safe to say they are not great fire breathing reptiles. They could be situations, states of mind, possibly even other people. Whatever the case, the poet says he became aware of them early on. They seem to have been of varying potency and persistence, an indication he might still be dealing with some of them. The last verse is a warning: never underestimate these dragons. They can come at you in different guises and take you unawares. And then they've got you.

[Louis McKraker]

Yes, then they've got you. I may never say exactly what these dragons are, but I am revising this piece so it goes on a little further.
But, you are closer in thinking they could be people or situations than thinking they could be reptiles. Yes, you caught me being subtle/not so subtle.

[Marie-Louise.]

We all have “dragons” in our lives. Things of which we are afraid. This poem portrays well something malevolent and dangerous, lingering and lurking. Something we would all fear given the circumstances.
You caught the atmosphere perfectly.

[Louis McKraker]

Thank you so much, Marie. I apologize for taking so long to respond, but I'm carving away at a couple of kids book right now and I don't have as much time for internets. But I have every appreciation for positivity from you and everyone else, all the same.

Sincerely, Louis

[Robert Trakofler]

very nice, your dragons are my specters and yes they do like to change appearances:) very nice form, flow and rhyme to this one! I do hate when more than a few decide to stay it can get awfully crowded Louis!

[Louis McKraker]

Just one of them at once is bad enough. If there came several at a time, I'd probably not survive.