Great sticks in hand
we marched along
in lines as straight as roads
heading to the forest
where trees stand tall in rows
A sudden halt
I ground my stick
look back way o’er my shoulder
he follows, s l o w
stick trailing now
behind my little brother
“Come on!” I cry
to speed him up
one last green stretch to cover
not knowing what the forest holds
it’s best we stayed together
He caught up fast
stick raised up now
and pointed like a sword
quietly we crept along
eyes peeled as we moved forward
tip-toe
tip-toe
tip-toe
tip -
We stop again
feet poised and still
and listen to the breeze
it brings the sounds of something
that lives within these trees
We feel it getting closer
hot breath and heavy steps
sniffing those who trespass
growling
then he leapt!
The fury of the dragon
was felt in flames of red
firing from his toothy mouth
smoke swirling round his head
We squeal as terror finds us
deep in this tree-lined forest
swords waving ‘round
as high-pitched cries
and beating wings surround us
Running hard
we stumble t’wards
the lit end of the path
an exit from the danger
a dragon’s angry wrath
Feet flying now
we cross the grass
and flop onto the mat
relieved, and breathing hard
we laugh … should we go back?
