The final passage of The Dragon Epic by Thomas Davis
The morning sun was shining on the cliffs.
The dragonflies were swarming on the pond.
The surface of the pond seemed like it had
An ever-moving veil upon its face
As tiny multi-colored bodies whirred,
Their wings invisible as bodies’ darted
A dance too intricate to recognize.
Ruarther came out of the woods, two hares
Limp in his hands, a light inside his eyes.
Beside the shed Ruanne stopped feeding chickens
That pecked around her feet and fluttered wings
And looked toward Ruarther with a smile.
“We’ll need the hares!” she called out. “Reestor’s sure
To get here near to dusk and supper time.”
Ruarther’s right arm lifted up a hare.
“I’ll get them ready for the pot,” he said
And walked toward the cottage’s oak door.
Above them, using wings to brake her speed,
Ssruanne flew past the cottage, neck outstretched,
And landed heavily upon the ground
Beside the pond and fleeing dragonflies.
Ruanne flipped up her apron, scattering
The seed into the air, as chickens squawked
And flapped their wings, excited by the food,
And walked toward the golden dragon’s shining.
Ruarther altered course and walked to join
Ruanne as warmly whirling dragon eyes
Looked at the two of them approvingly.
Behind them, from the cottage, Wei ran out
The door and shouted as she ran toward
The three of them, excitement in her voice.
“Ssruanne!” she called. “You’re here! At last you’re here!”
Ruarther dropped his hares upon the ground
As Wei ran up between them, smiling wildly,
And took their hands and skipped toward the dragon,
Her joy impelling them toward the pond.
“A human child needs human care,” Ssruanne
Declared approvingly. She reached out, touched
Her nose to Wei’s small hand, and rumbled joy
Deep down inside her chest, her dragon sense
Of life a wave that rippled out into the day.
Ruarther did not say a word, but reached out, touched
His daughter’s arm, smiled, hugged Ruanne to him,
And felt how lucky he had been to live
Into this moment when he was a human man.
To listen to this passage, click on
Note: This is the fiftieth, and last, passage of a long narrative poem, which has grown into The Dragon Epic. Originally inspired by John Keats’ long narrative poem, Lamia, it tells a story set in ancient times when dragons and humans were at peace. Click on the numbers below to reach other sections, or go to the Categories box to the right under The Dragon Epic. Click on Dragonflies, Dragons and Her Mother’s Death to go to the beginning and read forward. Go to The Long Song Done to read the passage before this one.
fourwindowspress 
this is an amazing epic piece of work ) bravo
It seems like it’s been in process forever ksbeth.
I can’t believe it’s finally complete … I just adore this epic poem, Thomas – a story that touched my heart from beginning to end, written and read by a master of story-telling. Please tell me you’re going to publish this, as I definitely want a signed copy of it. Completely awesome work that draws me into the fantastic world of Wei and the dragons – magnificent, Thomas! ~ Love to you and Ethel, Julie xox
It needs to be rewritten and polished first, Julie. That will take some time. I’ve also put out three novels lately: Salt Bear, Inside the Blowholes, and The Alkali Cliffs, so that will also impact how long it will take to publish this. I’m so glad such an excellent, excellent poet likes it. Thank you.
I have the first two books you mentioned on my Goodreads “want to read” shelf, Thomas – I’ll have to look into the third one, as I haven’t heard of that one yet. And I can wait as long as it takes for the Dragon Epic – it will be worth it when I have a signed copy in my hand! Wishing you all the best, and please know you and Ethel are in my thoughts and prayers daily. 🙂
… and thank you for the lovely compliment on my poetry; that means much to me coming from you. xox
What an amazing journey I’ve been taken on with this epic Thomas, thank you very much!
Ahhh, eremophila! Keeping the iambic pentameter alive and vital after over 130 pages of typescript while moving the story forward has been a challenge. Ethel and I like your work too.
Congratulations Thomas on a major achievement. Primarily of course it is narrative, and people have read it for the story, but I have noticed lyrical passages in it from time to time, and there are two such examples in this final part: in the first stanza (which is beautiful and could probably stand alone as a delightful poem) and the final stanza itself, which is touching and simple.
I’m glad it’s done, John, but now the rewriting, and I’m still trying to get three novels out: Into the Blowholes, which the epic is actually a companion piece too, telling the story of a time that led to the dragon’s circumstance in Blowholes, Salt Bear, a children’s novel, and The Alkali Cliffs, the last one to go to the printer. I so appreciate that you and others have stuck with this. That seems to me to be an accomplishment on your part.
Hello Thomas. I have been enjoying this epic poem, but I missed the last one before this. I need to take time with it over the summer break. I look forward to catching up in a more luxurious space and time.
Anna, I am glad summer has come for you. It has not yet arrived for our daughters, both of whom are teachers. The fact that you have read this throughout its journey is deeply appreciated. You are a magnificent poet, and when a magnificent poet reads an epic poem the poet should feel honored.
Just to clarify — summer has not yet come, not until school is finished on June 28th. Then, my spacious summer will be here and I will come back to catch up on this poem. I’ve just missed the last two and I’m looking forward to seeing how it ended.
At long last I have time to check your blog for this last episode, Thomas. This is exciting – haven’t read it yet (can’t sit here long enough) but have printed it out, to read offline.
Hoping to also get caught up with the rest of your poetry soon – and Ethel’s – and also with Ben’s blog and a few of my other favorites. Have missed you and hope all is going well with the publication of your new books! Will be back later to comment again. Best wishes to you and Ethel, as always!
Hi again, Thomas! I must agree with all the comments above – what a magnificent epic this is. The ending is perfect and full of joy – very satisfying conclusion. The reader can feel the impact of a significant story – which for me was an allegory for all times of war and peace and what we must go through to evolve to higher levels of consciousness. This is multifaceted (is that the right word?) and I’m thankful to you for writing it!
Wonderful end. I am so happy for Wei and humanity and the dragons.
A great achievement, Tom, and of a scale so rarely attempted or appreciated these days unfortunately. I have been putting off coming to the end.