Epilogue

When I mounted the dragon years back

It shrugged welcome and soared slow.

It flew low, close to ground and nearly walking.

It could have dropped me and I would have landed

On my feet and with a grin on my face.

Yesterday, the dragon spoke to me for the first time.

“As a creature created by wish, I have never wished

For myself,” it said, “but, my creator, I have a wish

To ask of you.” I set my sword down to listen.

“What is it?” I said. I thought I knew.

We had flown close to the sun,

Close to the moon, picked stars, scooped lake water

In claws and in hands, bathed in it.

Instead of wishing for riches, a family, a home,

The dragon rose up and flew.

Goodbye it seemed to say as it disappeared from view.

In its place it left an egg, small and blue.

I picked it up and put it in my pocket.

On foot, I set off for home. I had never named it.

It may never return.  I will keep its wish where it is warm.