POETRY

Draco

Astronomical Mythological Series

cyanotype print by author

Here the serpentine circle
embraces the bark, arboreal bracelet
hiss and fire from the guardian
of golden temptation

scaly prince of many faces
shining with the light of the setting sun
reflecting the ferocity of his position:
protector of the most forbidden fruit
secreted in the hidden garden

how he would brood over his charge,
the cache of mythic value
the tittering Hesperides
who cultivated the grove
buzzing through the aurelan orchard
intoning canticles for the queen

all it took was one hero’s poisoned tip
to send him packing
a hydra of pinpricks
in the skin of the night

Thank you, readers!