This weeks poem is in honour of St George as it was St George’s day this week.
I chose an old favourite poem from my childhood, which appeaeled to me no end because I loved the idea of having a pet dragon when I was a child and to be honest I still do.
St George and the Dragon
St George looked at the dragon
And much to his surprise,
He noticed that the dragon
Had large appealing eyes.
‘Pardon me,’ said brave St George,
‘I hear you’re cruel and sly.’
‘Oh no, not me,’ the dragon said,
‘I wouldn’t hurt a fly.’
‘I’ve come to slay you,’ said St George,
‘And save the maiden fair
That you have captured, and no doubt
Imprisoned in your lair.’
‘I used to be both cruel and sly,
Of that there is no doubt,’
Replied the dragon, ‘but not now,
My fire has all burnt out.
The maiden you have come to save
Has made a pet of me.
She takes me walkies on a lead
And feeds me cups of tea.
So if you want to do brave deeds
The like of which I’ve read,
Please take the maiden home with you,
And so save me instead.’
Finola Akister
Lady Book Dragon