the dragon's winter
a person doesn't know
what they truly believe
until they have stared
into the eyes
of the dragon
which appears to some
as death
to others madness
or that despair
which engulfs all purpose
before one has traversed
the dragon's winter
all beliefs and ideals
are like brightly colored
butterflies
which know only
of spring and summer
cavorting and posturing
on the balmy currents
of an undisturbed spirit
only to perish
at the early frost
(c)2009 Phil Cohen