there is a place
where umbrella trees grow
and whistling birds sing
and sweet water flows

there is a place
where
as sun first spills across the land
and the moon crawls off to rest
night’s soupy fog turns to liquid crystal
nestling on the grass

there is a place
where
the creatures tread softly
the rivers flow freely
and the people speak kindly

but there be dragons
looming high up in frozen peaks
with iron hearts and cruel, cold minds
desperate to possess the beauties they seek

they long for blood
they long for revenge
they long to destroy

and if we choose to remain
in our happy dream
then they, once again, shall reign.