The Kingdom Of The Dragon

The orphanage sat on the edge of the forest,

an old rundown shack covered in tree moss and soot.

A safe haven for children unwanted and broken,

a disposal for those deemed unloved and no good.

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There are papers to sign- when you abandon your babies,

protocol - as you sign your name on the line.

A song to be sung - as you make your excuses,

a melody plays as you say your goodbyes.

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Utred was a wee lad, among the group of children.

Tiny and frail, just under age 3.

Left in the woods, to please the wild cravings,

of the woodlands fiercest - dark forest beast.

They placed him under the sad, weeping willow.

wrapped him up tightly - in a small silken gown.

Lit a large fire to lure in the dragon,

warned the small tot, not to make any sounds.

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The wind blew around and stirred up the fire,

hot Sparks and red ashes - floated high in the air.

The toddler awoke to find the great monster,

drawing nearer to him, from inside of his lair.

Utred was quiet, he did not cry or scream,

his eyes locked solely upon the large dragon.

He thought someone would come and heroically save him,

like the others that lived in the mossy old cabin.

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But no one came to save the lad,

so, he stood alone, to face the beast.

Two tiny fist held high in the air,

demanding that he be immediately released.

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This caught the massive dragon off guard,

stopped in his tracks, he began to smile.

He hadn’t seen such bravery in years,

from a human for quite a while.

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He poked the small boy with his scaly nose,

Utrid punched him right in the eye.

The dragon pulled back and furiously shook,

the small boy now frightened, began to cry.

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But through his tears he spoke aloud,

the dragon angrily listening, turned his head.

Utred said, sir, I don’t want to hurt you,

if you’re hungry, I’ll share with you, my bread.

He tore the loaf and cleared out a spot,

for the dragon to relax and sit down.

The dragon looked suspiciously at Utred,

thinking it was some trap, designed to bring him down.

***********

When he was certain he was safe,

he snorted a large puff of flame.

And warmed the bread until it was crispy

asking the boy for his name.

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He proudly said “My name is Utred,

though, I don’t know about my last name.

I was sent far away from my village,

my father said - I caused him shame.

***********

The dragon spoke to him again and said,

“You know - I will eat you when I am done?”

Utred said, I know that you’ll try

but I’m much tricker than some.

***********

The dragon growled, “my name is Lou, short for Lucifer. “

“I’m the devil of the forest, most men faint with fear. “

“But you, small child are different, you are kind and make me laugh,“

I think I will eat you later, for now, I wish to nap.

***********

Days turned to weeks, then to months, until a year or two passed,

“Utred” he said, "you have completely changed my heart and mind,

you have filled me with great happiness and joy.

I wish to give you something that's mine."

***********

Utred smiled, and turned towards Lou, the beast now -

much more like a father.

Still tiny and small, he crawled into his lap.

Lou said, "Utred, we have been in this long journey together.

I wish to give you something that I know you’ve never had,

something I never want for you to give me back.

***********

The boy was so excited he could hardly stand the wait.

What is it Lord, I’ve never had a gift?

The dragon beamed with pride - as he gave the boy his name,

he turned away to hide his quivering lip.

***********

"Utred Ashdown - you shall be called,

the fair skinned human, son of Lou.

You need fear no more of loneliness,

for I am now just like kin to you."

***********

The legend goes something like this,

though it has changed a bit.

The boy/man slayed the dragon,

and made the dragons kingdom his.

But, on starry nights some say they’ve seen them,

soaring together -in the midnight sky.

The dragon and his little boy,

who helped changed the others life.