Saving A Dragon Poem by Darlene Walsh

Walking down the lane was I and a dragon I did see
Slowly I turned and through the forest about to flee
'Hidee Hoo' I heard him say in a voice so very deep
Soothing rumble of that great voice almost made me sleep

'Where be ye going young lass' his voice did roll
Surprised I replied 'Through the forest for a stroll'
'Come here a bit closer, see you clearly I must'
Shaking in my slippers, afraid of the dragon to trust

'I can see from here your scrawny bones and hide
Barely a mouthful you would be, even if you be fried
Closer you can come safe from my devouring
So be brave and stop your pitiful cowering'

So persuasive was he, my feet moved of their own accord
Unable to stop or think, not a thought for my sword
'Oh mighty dragon why so close must I come'
'To see into your head to make sure you not be dumb

For a task of great importance I need you to complete
For which, if you complete, I will grant a great treat'
'What great mission would your great eminence need
I would gratefully avail as long as it not make me bleed'

'My rear leg I have trouble to reach, it is where the task lay'
And leaning to one side lifts the leg while his bulk does sway
Off balance he teeters, it's amazing he hasn't fell
Brings his foot to my face and sure it does smell

'Look close and be quick and the task you should clearly see'
Looking close between two toes was faint buzzing wings of a bee
'All of me is armored strong' declares the dragon in strained voice
'Except one small place I would never reveal had I a choice

Between my toes is skin so soft, and there I hurt
Residing there giving constant pain is this tiny squirt
If you can succeed in it's prompt removal
I will grant you a great boon with full approval'

Closely I peered at his tiny calamity
Wondered at this massive creatures agony
For so tiny and scrunched is his great nemesis
Nestled so tightly in such a tiny crevice

Delicately I reach in with two slim fingers
And cautiously pinch while avoiding the stinger
Warily I grasp the great diminutive beast
Pulling gently then opening fingers it is released

With excited buzzing spinning quickly in the air
Hovering above my eyes with great care
The bee hums its gratitude at it's release
Stuck between toes it thought to soon decease

So twin beasts both great and small
Full of praises to me the two call
And rewards offered, promised and earned
For doing a good deed that I performed

Honey more than in a lifetime I could eat
And treasured dragons gold in a pile so neat
As I continue through the forest for a stroll
Hoping as I cross the bridge I find no troll