The Knight and the Dragon
                            By Vikram Madan

    ‘You are old,’ said the Knight, as he polished his lance
                ‘And your wings are all tattered and torn
    And the ache in your bones surely softens your stance
                And your talons seem dull and well-worn.’

    ‘You are old,’ said the Knight, as he mounted his steed
                ‘And your eyes are beginning to gloss
    And the weight of the years surely makes you knock-kneed
                And your scales are all covered with moss.’

    ‘You are old,’ said the Knight, as he straightened his shield
                ‘Do your teeth rattle loose in your gums?
    And your blood, once so hot, must lie cold and congealed
                Do you get by on more than just crumbs?’

    ‘You are old,’ said the Knight, as he spurred on his horse
                ‘And your glory lies faded and maimed
    But your fate, though much withered, has shown you remorse
                And left you the keys to my fame’

    ‘You are old,’ said the Knight, as he galloped in fast
                ‘So why bother to swagger and pose?
    With my heart just as kind as my courage is vast
                I shall bring a swift end to your woes.’

    ‘You are old,’ said the Knight, as he readied his blow
                ‘And your breath smells like brimstone and ash
    And your fire… still burns?! … Like a hot… volcano!
                So… hot!!…’ And he was gone in a flash.
    

***