The red dragon climbs,
wings unfurled,
flapping, snapping, taut
like sails catching a sudden squall,
soaring toward the sun.
The raptor, breath scorching,
screeches her mating call.
Molting, armor shredded,
purging, new skin glistening
each year at Lupercalia.
Dragon scales, forged of fire,
pointed red hearts,
languidly falling, dillydally
drifting through wispy cirrus clouds
souls searching for a home.
Ardor dissipated, a disheveled
Old Bard’s battered lute
beseeches coin from lovers,
at the feast of Lupercal.
Showers of hearts fall from on high.
As Bard’s grasping hand is pierced
by barbed heart, great warmth flows,
longing rekindles love within.
No one is immune to desire,
born of Red Dragon’s Eros fire.
James Hall’s poetry collection Prairie Roots was published April 2023 by Shanti Arts Publishing. His writing has appeared in Hobo Camp Review, Utopia, Deep Overstock, and others. He is a writer and physician with interests in cider craft, cross country skiing and dire portents.