Fighting The Dragon Poem by Galina Italyanskaya

I wouldn't throw a stone at you.
Don't wait for my reproof.
I've seen a more impressive queue
Of those who stood aloof
To change my weird point of view
And make me mortal too.
You took me wrong. But only few
Сan hear me as you do.

I won't rip out my heart for that
It loves and can forgive
The one who hasn't found me yet,
But cursed the way I live,
Who calls me to betray my folk
And my ancestral graves.
I wish you knew what you invoke
And whom you praise as braves.

My knight, you want me to agree
On who is good or bad.
Perhaps you dream to set me free,
But rather make me dead.
You plan to kill my dragon guard.
Alas, nobody knows:
The dragon is to save my heart
From vain and greedy foes.

A lot of cowards, fools, and crooks
Have asked for my hand.
Despite their swords, despite their looks
They met a shameful end.
I am no prisoner for life.
Nobody locked my tower.
And to be honest, only love
Can be the real power.


(Ukhta,24.04.2023)