Dragon

Cower from the buffets of horizon-spanning wings, scream and run in terror that the monster surely brings. Escape into some shadow, care not for scars or stings. For far worse fates await you with the coming of a dragon. Tremble in despair as you behold the fearsome fire, licking all the land and sending thick smoke ever higher, Shiver, though the heat is such that your steps quickly tire. You are nothing but a speck before the fury of a dragon. Leave aside your weapons, they cannot leave a mark, iron scales cover her, thicker, still, than bark. Mourn, for all resistance is doomed to meet the dark. No mortal man can halt the fateful footfalls of a dragon. Curse, for off she carries what we earned through sweat and tears. Our meager stock of treasure we attained throughout the years. And what is worse, our future bread on stalks still scorching sears. There is no mercy left within the black heart of a dragon. Come, let us rebuild our wreck-ed city and our walls. Join me and quench the blaze upon our burning fields and stalls. Take heart, we've much to do afore the first snow forms and falls. We have no choice but to prepare for the next strike of the dragon. Written 4 April 2017 for "A Mythical Creature" contest, sponsored by Julia Ward