Play Time Poem by Alessandra Liverani

Children, please come inside, the light is going fast
But Mum, we can't, there's a dragon we must get past
A fire breathing monster guarding the front gate
We can't fight against it, it's spewing venom and hate

Don't be silly, children, that's just your imagination
This terrifying creature that has such fascination
Quickly come inside, there is nothing for you to fear
Come in this instant children, do you hear?

But Mum, you know that dragons really do exist
What about the cigarette dragon, you have heard it hiss
It has had you shaking, shaking in sheer fright
You've tried to fight against it with all of your might

But you can't fight a dragon, because they are fierce and huge
You can't fight a dragon, it's like fighting a deluge
All you have to do is see clearly in your mind
That this is a dragon of the imaginary kind

(Sydney, Australia - 2003)