The Red Dragon Rises

Written as a College Student, 2000-2006.

The Red Dragon rises in the West!

For too long he has slept; now the

Foretold hour grows late when from his

Ancient slumber he wakes and is roused.

The Red Dragon rises in the West!

The cry of the innocent against injustice 

Rouses him in righteous wrath,

Their spilt blood burns his heart.

The Red Dragon rises in the West!

From on high in his silent mountains

He looks, and sees! He listens, and hears!

The suffering of his people brings him down. 

The Red Dragon rises in the West!

A shield for the weak, a burning sword

For the innocent who suffer he shall be;

The wicked shall burn in his fury.

The Red Dragon rises in the West!

His ancient slumber has ended, his day 

Has come round and he returns to

Restore all that was once good and yet

The Red Dragon's rising shall make again.

Author's Note

For readers who are unaware, Y Ddraig Goch (The Red Dragon) is the heraldic symbol of Cymru (Wales) and Y Cymry (the Welsh). It also has historical and mythic connections to Arthur Pendragon, and the wars he and other heroes fought to preserve Y Cymry from genocide in the Dark Ages. Arthur, in particular, was once commonly believed in Cymru to be NOT dead, but rather asleep: on an enchanted fairy island (Avalon), said some, in an enchanted cave deep beneath a mountain, said others. But all who kept the faith promised each new generation that one day, when his people faced their truly darkest hour, Arthur would be roused, armed, and would return in steel and song, the greatest champion of his race to save them again. It is with such imagery and themes this poem played, and yes I have blood ties to both Cymru and Alba (Scotland). The wars, literature, and imagery of my ancestors is a treasure chest to be cherished and given new life in my poetry.