In the Dark Forest...

The Sun was shining brightly

Smiling for me warmly!

I walked to the Dark Wood

And for a minute on its edge stood!

The Wood was huge and dark

With the trees, their branches and bark!

The leaves of these tall trees

Whispered to each other in the breeze!

Into the silent forest I stepped

I’m not very brave I accept!

Then I heard a bird’s song

As I walked, it continued all along!

Dry leaves under my foot crunched

Under low branches, I walked hunched!

I had to find the magic herb and root

It would be my labour’s fruit!

On and on, I walked along

As the bird continued its song!

The Sun could barely come in

It was all dark within!

All at once I came upon the spot

It was what I had eagerly sought!

The flowers pretty and bright

Sparkled in the dim light!

I bent to dig the soil around

The magic herb and root I had found!

With eagerness I put my basket down

On the earth so damp and brown!

When all at once I heard a sound!

Something towards me did bound!

I almost fainted with fright

Oh! What a terrible sight!

It was a Dragon, scaly, huge and green

A sight I had never seen!

I had roused his ire

He roared and breathed fire!

‘Oh Mighty Dragon! Please forgive me!

I’m willing to pay any fee!’

He looked at me with a scorn

And looked somewhat forlorn!

“I bet you don’t have a bun,” he said,

“It’s been a long time I was fed!”

Into my basket I delved happily

And handed him a buttered bun eagerly!

“Oh! You are a clever girl!” he exclaimed.

“Clever and kind!” he further proclaimed.

He sat down on dry leaves that crunched

And joyously the bun he munched!

‘Mr. Dragon!’ I whispered.

“Yes! Little Girl!” He answered.

‘May I take the herb and root?’

“Yes, you may! I like you! You’re so cute!”

“And take too the sparkling flowers

They have magical powers!”

‘Oh! Thank you Mr. Dragon!’ I said

Watching him munch the bread!

Quickly I snipped a bunch

Before he finished his lunch!

I dug deeper and gathered the root

My labour’s sweet fruit!

Then, I turned around and fled

From the Dragon I had fed!

I didn’t dare to wait and find

Whether he would change his mind!

Daylight on dark wings had already flown!

When out of the forest I came with my flowers, singing, all alone! 

Image: Dragon and a girl by Lusia Nanami