Afterward

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…the sun disappears behind the mountains,

But a fiery glow lights Dragon’s crown.

Its long, plated body bathes by the far shore,

Its tail undulates in lazy waves.

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Trees stretch to pierce the darkening clay

Where diminutive, pale blossoms open.

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She tosses hair with a flick of her head:

The ethereal mane dances in the breeze.

Hewn and stained breastplate; battered shield:

Meaningless now.

She hurls the shield into the water. The armour follows.

And then her sword whirs through the dusk.

No splash perceived.

.

She caresses waning auguries,

Unfolds memories

And ferments the gravid loam

Of tomorrow.

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