SCENT OF DRAGONS

Upon crossing the threshhold
an olfactory link in the chain is rattled
shaken awake on the banks of Memory River
it's an addictive association
a recollection of guilt
flashbacks to blood on my hands
scars seem fresh again
cut deep into my trembling fingers
sliced on the scales of the dragon's tail
another lesson hard learned
I don't chase dragons anymore
it's too easy to get lost
in the smoke of their breath

- S. Marvin Tuomala, 2005