Of Castle Walls

The splendour falls on castle walls.
- Alfred, Lord Tennyson

I.

Oh princess
You have built for yourself
Ring upon ring
Of castle wall
To keep out that
Ancient loathsome dragon.

Green scales
Huge teeth
Fire breathing
Rapier-like talons.

Your heart beats faster
Confusion reigns
Breathless
You think it’s fear.

Who’s been filling your head with such nonsense?

For every little girl knows
Deep down inside
That dragons are fiercely loyal
With hearts of gold.

Every little girl knows that
The way to avoid the dragon’s scorching breath
Is to be held close, safe within the curve of its tail.

II.

Knights in shining armour
You welcome with open arms
To keep the dragon at bay, you say.

Anything to keep your mind off that damn dragon?

For to save a damsel in distress
Many men will flock to your doorstep.
Your hand in marriage.
The honour and the glory
A kingdom, for to gain.

To them, you listen
Mind filling with their prattle,
Their hairy chests inflated,
Of battles lost and won
Of gallantry and balladry.

Your heart swells with love
Or so you think.
You simper, you preen.

Without the castle walls,
The dragon awaits
Patiently.

III.

Of castle walls
What price, your freedom?