dragons
are made out of dreams
we remember them
and think them
back to life
so they can soar
and look after their
treasures
before we became killers
dragons were our friends
but once they saw the path we were on
they disappeared
their hearts broken
to see what we had become
Picture: Pixabay
I’ve lived in Chicago for approximately a thousand years and believe me, I wasn’t raised on food like this, so…it’s exotic and strange looking to me. I love the color and the prickles are sharp. It’s hard not to believe that a baby dragon won’t break through the outer layer and take it’s first breath. It’s a beautiful melon but I’d much rather have it be a dragon egg. I bet the dragon would be the same gorgeous color. So, I’m thinking the store is a nursery for babies we rarely get to see. The hatchlings must fly around the store, after hours, and wish they were somewhere a lot warmer, once they get near the door.
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Dragons are beautiful, powerful, loyal, true and loving. They protect those they care about and will fight to the death to keep them safe. They also have a great sense of humor. Some people believe that dragons never existed, or that they did exist, but are gone from our world. Still others believe that dragons are still alive, but on a different plane. The truth is, they are very much alive and quite a few of them are living here among us. Some live in isolated areas but others live out their lives along side of us…shape-shifters who raise their vibration levels enough that we don’t see them…unless they want us to.
Dragons are intelligent, fast, and playful but they don’t like licorice. Red or black, they don’t like it. They do like glitter, jewels, gems, gold and silver and they love to receive gifts. As long as it’s not, you know, licorice. They also love poetry and enjoy reading it aloud in caves, where their voices carry.
They have no desire to come back to our world, to darken our sky with their huge, graceful bodies. They play here but think that most humans are only good with catsup. I told you they had a sense of humor. Baby dragons are ticklish but adults are too big to tickle, so I don’t know whether or not they still are.
There are few rules, in Dragon culture. The biggest one is that they can’t steal from each other. Several of the other rules are about bowing and holidays.
If you meet a dragon, it’s important not to show fear. Just relax and be polite. Rudeness is definitely frowned upon. Dragons can be old-fashion, at times, and being respectful, is always a good way to go. It depends on the dragon but some warm up to people right away, while others are a bit standoffish.
Pregnant females can be blindingly bright and they are usually surrounded by others. Dragons don’t reproduce that often, so when a new dragon is born, it’s cause for great celebration. If you’re invited to a shower, and can afford it, bring silver or gold. Dragons realize that not all humans are able to buy expensive gems but as long as you bring a token gift, anything will be appreciated. They love cookies, you just need to bring a lot of them. A word of warning…stuffed toys don’t last very long.
There are different kinds of Dragons. Warrior Dragons are enormous and have extremely thick, scales. They are truly magnificent. Their colors run from black and dark green, to gold and red. They are the biggest dragons of them all and they protect all the other dragons form the outside worlds. Their flames and roars can shatter a planet. But they have a gentle side as well. I think some of the dragons exist just to be magnificent. I could be wrong, but I don’t think that I am. When they sing, it’s overpowering because their voices are nothing like we’ve ever heard on earth. When they sing the Universe sighs and it’s heartbeat slows. That’s how wonderful they sound, even the babies.
Anyway, those are just a few things I thought you might like to know about dragons. My daughter and I are born under the sign of the Dragon, so they are quite dear to me. Don’t believe any one who tells you they are bad. They aren’t. The only time dragons are destructive is when they have been captured and tortured. When that happens, they are rescued as quickly as possible and taken to a cave, where they are surrounded by others. They are fed and cared for day and night until they are completely healed. It doesn’t matter how long the healing process takes. That’s they way they are. Oh, and the other dragons return to the place where the dragon was held and burn it to the ground along with any and all who were involved. Justice is important to dragons.
Mindy was on her way home from the library, where she had just given a talk on Harry Potter, when she ran into Joey, who was still a kitten. He said the cats decided to have a dragon party because an artist named Gretchen gave the idea to the person who draws us. Joey said they had a lot of fun. They had catnip and delicious new dry food that the hens made for them. They started watching Godzilla but everyone went crazy and started climbing the walls, when the humans went after her babies, so the film had to be turned off. He said they ended up watching Puss and Boots, which was wonderful. He said Antonio Banderas was fantastic, as Puss and he would like to meet him some day, so they could chase leaves or butterflies together. He said that a Puss and Boots party might be held in the future.
Mindy told Joey that his costume was wonderful. He said one of the hens made it for him. He said he’d rather be a cat than a dinosaur any day. Mindy agreed, and said that she wouldn’t want to be a dinosaur either, especially since they were all dead. Then she offered to help him make his Puss and Boots costume, if they had the party. She also said that she thought that Antonio Banderas was a person and not a cat.
“But I just saw him.”
“It was a cartoon,” said Mindy. “Mr. Banderas did the voice over.”
“Are you sure?” asked Joey.
Mindy nodded. “I am. I’m the head of the film crew and I know about those things. Once you grow up, you’ll know about those things as well.”
“He did a good job…for a human.”
“He did,” agreed Mindy. “He still might want to come and play, you know. Maybe you should write to him.”
Joey looked down. “It wouldn’t be the same.”
“I understand,” said Mindy. “Want me to walk to the cat nest with you?”
“Sure,” said Joey, “I’d like that.”
P.S. Plans for a Puss and Boots party are in the works. Joey is in charge of the decorations and Mindy is going to help with the food and costumes. Puss and Boots will play in a continuous loop and there will be singing and a coloring contest.
“I do wish he would walk a bit more softly when he paces,” said Edith. “The shelves are quaking, books are falling to the floor and the tea set in the cabinet is in danger of shattering.”
BOOM, BOOM, BOOM.
“Chicago,” said Edith. “I think I’d like to send some hot chocolate to him, right about now. Hot chocolate with the tiny marshmallows he loves so much. What do you think?”
“I think that’s a wonderful idea,” said Chicago. “I’ll ask the kitchen to do it.”
“Thank you,” said Edith. “I have a room full of albino raccoons to care for.”
“They are so darling,” smiled Chicago. “I saw one in his pajamas this morning and I had to control myself, so that I wouldn’t pick him up and kiss him.”
“Oh, don’t do that!” said Edith, at once. “They are fully grown and intelligent adult raccoons. They are here because they are inventors, instructors and scientists.”
“But they are so beautiful with their white faces and lovely ears…”
“Snap out of it,” said Edith. “Leave them alone unless they speak to you.”
“Fine,” said Chicago moodily. “I know you’re right. It’s just that I had a pet raccoon as a child and I just thought…”
“They are not those kinds of raccoons and you know it.”
“I do, but…”
“Please send the hot chocolate to our guest and let’s hope that it has the effect we are all hoping for.”
“Of course,” said Chicago, heading to the kitchen. “I’ll send some biscuits as well.”
“Excellent idea. Thank you. And Chicago…”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry you can’t pet the raccoons.”
Chicago smiled. “I know you are. I’ll make sure he gets the tiny marshmallows, so don’t worry.”
“Tilly and Jerry sent the dragons to another dimension for a few hours. They can’t handle them while he’s here and that a guy Tim is no help at all. Maybe you should let them go to him and get it over with,” said the gray cat, sprawling on the counter.
“I don’t think we have a choice,” sighed Edith. “Just tell Tilly to release them and I’ll take any fallout that may come our way.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” said the gray cat, jumping to the floor.
Ten minutes later there was a terrible roar and the dragons were free. They disappeared, after making a right turn through the foyer and nearly hooking Edith with their claws but it was over quickly. After a few minutes, the pacing stopped and piece of paper dropped onto the blotter. Edith picked it up and smiled. It said:
Dearest Edith:
Chocolate and dragons. Aren’t you the clever one.
Yours, M
“Miss Edith.”
Edith looked over the counter and saw a white raccoon. “May I be of service, Thomas?”
“I just wanted to thank you for all the tree trunks in our quarters. We do enjoy a soft bed, now and then, but a hollow tree is our favorite place to sleep. We appreciate your kindness.”
“Thank you. It’s a great pleasure to have you with us again, Thomas. I do hope Molly and the children are well.”
“Very well, thank you and Edith, some boxes may be delivered later today. If you would send them to the lab on the twelfth floor I would be in your debt.”
“It will be done. Enjoy your time here and feel free to read as many books as you like.”
“Gracious as ever,” he said, taking his leave.
“He’s very nice,” said Snowball. “Polite and grateful.”
“Yes he is,” said Edith, writing the titles of books in her ledger.
“Do you think he will make an appearance?”
“I do,” said Edith. “I think the chocolate and the dragons have calmed him a bit.”
“I met him once,” said Snowball. “A great man. Stardust fell from his midnight blue robe as he walked.”
“Oh, that’s my favorite robe,” said Edith, happily. “I do hope he wears it, if he comes down.”
“Edith.”
“Yes Snowball?”
“I’m happy you’re here.”
Edith choked up and felt tears sting her eyes. She went to the cat and put her arms around him. “I’m happy that I’m here too, Snowball.”
“EXCUSE ME, THIS IS ALL VERY TOUCHING, BUT WHERE SHOULD WE PUT OUR LUGGAGE?”
“You need to lower your voice and make yourself visible at once,” said Edith sternly.
“Oh, sorry,” said the Tiger. “My bad.”
“Your rooms are on the ground floor and they open into the forest,” said Edith. “You know the rules. NO HUNTING.”
“But stalking is okay, right?” asked the tiger, his tail swishing back and forth.
“I’d rather you didn’t,” said Edith. “You frightened quite a few of the others when you did that last time.”
“But Edith, we’re CATS and stalking is what we do,” moaned the tiger. “You’ve seen us…we get all focused, wiggly and tense.”
“This is a Convention, Bobby. Mind your manners and keep the rest of your party in line or you’ll answer to me. Understood?”
“Understood,” said Bobby. “But it won’t be as much fun.”
“There’s a new book in your room. It’s called Tiger by the Tail and it’s about two tigers who fall in love…”
“Oh, don’t tell me, don’t tell me,” said Bobby quickly. “Thank you Edith.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Did you see him yet?”
“No. Not yet.”
“I hope he comes down,” said Bobby. “Claws and fingers crossed.”
“”Claws and fingers crossed,” agreed Edith.
“These are for you,” said Bobby, pushing a brightly colored tin across the counter.
Edith removed the lid and snickered. “Hard candy in the shape of tigers,” she laughed. “How ever did you manage it?”
“Snowball knew a guy.”
“I’m sure he did,” she said, popping a red tiger into her mouth. “Delicious,” she moaned. “Just delicious.”
“I’m happy you like them Edith.”
“I do and I’m very, very grateful for your thoughtfulness but you still can’t hunt or stalk anyone.”
“It was worth a shot,” said Bobby softly.
“It certainly was,” said Edith, carefully placing the box of candy on a shelf under the counter. “And Bobby…”
“Yes Edith?”
“Try not to blow anything up.”
“You’re no fun Edith,” growled the big cat. “No fun at all.”
The Book Lovers Emporium shook to it’s very foundation. Well, it would have, if it had a real foundation.
“He’s here,” said Edith, straightening her jacket.
“Ten cases of cheese doodle crisps just arrived,” said Chicago, placing the shipping slip on the counter. “I had them put the crates in the kitchen. One of the conventioneers sent them ahead. They’re for the Unusual Things gathering this weekend.”
“Thank you,” said Edith, as she listened to the racket around her.
Stars are falling into the backyard,” said Snowball, as he walked into the room. “A lot of them. So far, no major fires or craters.”
“Things will straighten out as soon as he settles in,” said Edith hopefully.
“The dragons are making a terrible racket and there’s so much smoke in their hallway I can’t even see,” sighed Chicago. “I put a fan on the floor but all it’s really doing is moving the smoke around, it’s not getting rid of it.”
Edith shut her eyes and snapped her fingers. “It should be better now.”
“Thank you,” said Chicago, coughing slightly.
“INCOMING,” yelled Edith, as books flew in from every direction and stacked themselves on the counter and on the floor. A piece of paper fluttered down from above and landed on the blotter in front of Edith. It read: Edith dear. I’ll send for these later. Meanwhile please let them sort themselves out until I’m ready for them. Yours, M.
“Look at these titles,” said Chicago, bending over to have a look at the books. “There’s an awful lot of Grimoires’ here and some of them look positive ancient. They’re so old they’re falling apart. And there are books on ancient herbs and birds. Three books on dragons and mythical creatures and one on submarines.”
“No poetry books?” asked Edith, in alarm.
“Yes, four,” said Chicago, turning sideways to read the spines.
Edith let out the breath she hadn’t known she had been holding.
Tilly half fell through the archway and into the room. She looked singed, charred, smudged and her hair looked as if some of it had actually been burned off in places, but her blue eyes were alive with excitement. “I think we’ve calmed them down a bit. Large Wings is thrashing about but we’re letting him watch a movie about dragons so, he’s eating popcorn and acting less aggressive.”
“He’s watching a film?” asked Edith. “And eating popcorn?”
“He is,” said Tilly. “They’re all watching it and eating popcorn.”
Edith rubbered her eyes. “They can hear his heartbeat and it drives them wild with the need to be with him, so there’s only so much you can do.”
“INCOMING,” screeched Chicago, as twenty or thirty books sailed into the foyer, some hitting the wall, others knocking down those books that had already stacked themselves.
“How long is he staying?” asked Tilly. “He can’t possibly read all these books in a couple of days.”
“He doesn’t read them exactly,” said Edith. “They just…share their knowledge with him. They basically tell him what he needs, or wants, to know.”
“Wow,” said Tilly.
“Indeed,” said Edith, looking at her hands.
“You’re wearing nail polish,” said Chicago, grinning.
“It’s not the first time,” said Edith, busying herself with the things on her blotter. “I’ve worn it before. I’d wear it all the time but it chips from handling all the books and papers.”
“Is it for him or is it for the Unusual Things Convention Edith,” teased Tilly. “Tell us.”
“It’s for me,” said Edith, picking up a few of the books that had landed behind the counter.”
“Right, then,” said Chicago, trying not to laugh. “Is there anything I can do?”
Just then a baby Roc flew through the wall and crashed into the books, as he tumbled to the floor.
“Are you alright?” asked Edith, looking down at the pile of feathers.
“I think so,” said the Roc. “He called me.”
“I gathered that,” she said flatly, pointing to her right. “Go that way, then up. You can’t miss his rooms,”
“Thank you,” said the Roc, straightening a few feathers with his beak. “The war,” he said, shaking his head. “He’s tired.”
“Well, we’ll try to keep things quiet,” said Edith. “At least until this weekend.”
The Roc nodded and took off, barely missing the crystal chandelier glittering in the center of the room. The wind from his wings knocked books and several people, one of them Leonardo, to the floor.
“Okay, then,” said Tilly. “A Roc, right?”
“Yes, a Roc,” said Edith.
“What do you think he’s going to do with a Roc?”
Edith shook her head. “No idea but help me move some of these books away from the front of the counter, please.”
“Will we get to meet him?”
“It depends,” said Edith.
“On?”
“His mood.”
Tilly nodded. “My brother’s like that.”
“I sincerely doubt that,” said Edith, putting a book that suddenly burst into flames, out with her bare hands. “You better get back to the dragons.”
“If you need me, just yell or send Gray to get me.”
“Yes, yes, now go.”
“Those won’t fit in my basket,” said the white dog, looking at the enormous piles of books.
“You don’t have to deliver them, love,” said Edith. “They’re for him.”
The dog nodded and walked away.
As the dog left, there was a true moment of silence. Edith closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep that refreshed her completely. When she opened her eyes, she could still see the white dog leaving through the doorway. “I love my life,” mumbled Edith. And at that very moment a bevy of albino raccoons walked through the front door.
“Are we too early?” asked the smart looking raccoon, wearing a black tuxedo. “For the convention, I mean?”
“Edith’s not at the counter,” said the gray cat.
“What do you mean she’s not at the counter?” asked Chicago.
“I mean…just what I said…she’s not there. No one is there. Edith’s not there.”
“Where is she?”
The cat shrugged. “I have no idea but she’s NOT at he counter.”
Word of Edith’s disappearance spread through the bookstore like wildfire. Books fell from their shelves and made there way to the foyer, piling on top of each other until they could see over the counter. The cat was right, Edith wasn’t there.
The entrance to the shop was instantly jammed with people, cats, dogs and a rabbit or two. Agatha Christie rubbered her hands together and said, “Ah, I love a good mystery. I think this will be a case for Miss Marple.”
Chicago did a quick Tarot reading, fanning the cards across the counter and flipping them back and forth.
Jerry, a dragon on his shoulder, wanted to know what all the fuss was about and Tilly, pale as a ghost, asked if anyone thought that Edith may have been kidnapped. That silenced everyone and brought the temperature in the room down to where ice started to form on the windows.
“Good heavens,” said Edith, walking up to the counter, rubbing her arms. “Why is it so cold in here?”
A giant cheer went up from the crowd and everyone patted Edith on her back or hugged her tightly and said they were glad that she was back.
“I was only gone for a few minutes,” said Edith. “I had to take a…call. Out back.”
Except for Hemingway readjusting the rifle strapped to his back, there was dead silence.
“Who was it?” asked Chicago nervously.
“Yeah, Edith. Who was it?” asked the gray cat.
Edith shuffled some papers and moved a few things around, then folded her hands in front of her and looked at the crowd. “It seems we are to have a visitor.”
No one spoke, they simply waited for her to continue.
“He will be arriving late tonight and will be staying for a day or two.”
Silence.
“A room is being added for his convenience and we are being asked to respect his privacy.”
“Merlin?” asked the chipmunk.
“Yes Peter, Merlin,” said Edith.
A collective gasp went through the crowd.
“Well, that’s it, now everyone get back to whatever it was you were doing and Earnest, please do not leave that gun unattended. You won’t have to shoot anything while you’re here, so please, put it away.”
Hemingway nodded. “Is he in a good mood?”
Everyone stopped in their tracks and waited for Edith’s answer.
“That is yet to be determined,” said Edith, rearranging her stapler and notepad. “We won’t know until he gets here.”
“Can I take his picture?” asked Tilly, as a horrified gasp ricocheted off the walls. “Does that mean no?”
“Do not seek him out. Do not make eye contact or speak to him, Tilly. Do NOT, under any circumstances, take his picture. If he wants company, he will let us know.”
“Wow,” said Tilly. “What’s his problem?”
The chipmunk tugged at Tilly’s sock. “I’ll tell you later,” he squeaked.
“You’re quite beautiful,” smiled Tilly, dropping to the floor.
“That’s what my mother said. But I’m rather small for a chipmunk.”
“That’s because you’re special,” said Tilly happily.
“No I’m not. That’s just what people say when they’re trying to make someone feel better,” said Peter. “But thank you anyway.”
“Your stripe is a rich brown and your eyes are perfect in every way. I can feel your sweet disposition and if you would like to help with the dragons, you can ride in my pocket,” said Tilly
“I can?” gasped Peter.
“Definitely,” said Tilly, holding out her hand.
“I have to ask my mom but I know she’ll say yes,” said Peter, shyly. “Can I tell you tomorrow?”
“Of course. Just let me know when you’re ready to begin.”
Peter climbed up Tilly’s shoe and hugged her ankle. “Thank you.” he said.
Tilly reached for Peter and kissed him softly. “What’s with Merlin?” she asked.
Peter looked around and then jumped to Tilly’s shoulder. “Sometimes he’s really crabby,” he whispered, “especially if he’s coming from a war zone. Last time he wasn’t happy several rooms vanished, books and all, and no one has seen them since.”
“How long ago wast that?”
“Years and years,” said Peter, “at least that’s how the story goes.”
“Interesting,” said Tilly, putting Peter on the floor. “Don’t forget to ask your mom about the dragons.”
“I won’t,” said Peter, who waved and then dashed away.
“Its been thirty years, almost to the day,” said Edith. “Stay away from him if he’s unhappy. I mean it.”
“What if he’s in a good mood?”
“Then there will be a LOT of parties and magick. Costumes and uh, strange guests.”
“Do you think he’s coming because of the Unusual Things Convention?” asked Tilly.
“I doubt it, but you never know with him.”
“He’s arriving this evening?” she asked excitedly.
“He’s arriving whenever he gets here,” sighed Edith. “Now go make sure the dragons are settled. They will fight to be with him, so you need to keep them calm.”
“Are they his to call?”
“Everything is his to call,” said Edith, rubbing her temples.
“Maybe we can get Gandalf to…”
“Go away Tilly,” said Edith, not unkindly. “I have a lot to do.”
Rethinking Life 
Written
on October 22, 2018