The small dragon

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I`ve found a small dragon in the woodshed.

Think it must have come from deep inside a forest

because it`s damp and green and leaves

are still reflecting in its eyes.

I fed it on many things, tried grass,

the roots of stars, hazel- nut and dandelion,

but it stared up at me as if to say, I need

foods you can`t provide.

It made a nest among the coal,

not unlike a bird`s but larger,

it is out of place here

and is quite silent.

If you believed in it I would come

hurrying to your house to let you share my wonder,

but I want instead to see

if you yourself will pass this way.

Brian Patten