We meter them out in fire, scaled down
to last treble-clefted flick of
tail and trail of smoke.
The syllables sag and drag
-on winded sails, caught between
embered teeth.
We store them in caves, and sand
-castles, vessels of wind
and wave. Salted. Sung. Saved.
..
It’s Quadrille Monday over at dVerse, and I’m hosting. Come play!
Whimsygizmo's Blog 
I really love how you had your dragon there in all their scales… sandcastles is not something I would have thought of
And such songs they must be. The kind the Vikings sang in their longships.
A song, a ballad indeed; nice twist on the prompt, although a number of others out here on the trail, seem to have musicality within them.
Dragons and music go together, I think. 😉
How to train your dragon… to sing! I love that your dragons know their scales and the ‘treble-clefted flick of tail’ and and syllables ‘caught between embered teeth’.
As usual, your playful wordery is wonderful. I love those treble-clefted tails in particular. Beautifully done.
This was wonderful, playful, inventive, and a joy to read. Marvelously melodious De…
How delightful!
There’s a tune in here, somewhere! Love “..treble-clefted flick of tail…”
Embered teeth — now there’s a word picture if ever I saw one! Great
Lovely.
I think I do hear the Norse men gathered round the fire swapping songs and tales of tails. That’s a great picture
Nice images in your dragon structure. Luv that music is ther too
Happy Monday
much love…
The song of the dragon is one I never tire of in poetry.
Thank you for the delightful prompt and your beautiful, playful poem! I want to learn a few of these dragon song for sing-a-long bonfires on the beach with s’mores.
I love the whimsical fantasy woven through this.
Your dragon songs and quadrille prompt set imagination afire!
“caught between
embered teeth.”
Brilliant image. Dragons always verb their nouns!
I want to wrap myself up in this poem and just … believe. Lovely.
Can’t get over those”embered teeth.”
This is so beautifully done–I just love the sound of the words (and rhythm) in this one!
Pardon my pun, but that 1st line was straight fire! Love the extended metaphor throughout your scaly poem.
De, I just read the news (and) poems from your winning chapbook! Congratulations to a fabulous poet, who deserves the win.
Thank you so much, Sara! 🙂