Haikus

5

A Small Dragon - Brian Patten, 1990

I've found a small dragon in the woodshed.

Think it must've come from deep inside a forest

because it's damp and green and leaves are still reflecting in its eyes

I fed it on many things, tried grass,

the roots of stars, hazelnut and dandelion,

but it stared up at me as if to say, I need

foods you can't provide.

It made a nest among the coal,

not unlike a bird's but larger,

it is out of place here

and is mosttimes silent.

If you believed in it I would come

hurrying to your house to let you share this wonder

but I want instead to see

if you yourself were past this way.

Your Challenge

Discover your own small dragon.  

What does it eat?  Where did you find it?  What happens?  Does anyone believe you?  Does it have a name?  Who will you tell?  Can you draw your small dragon?  

Brian Patten reading his poem