My Fair Dragon - Why Can't the Dragons?
by Frank Riccobono
In response to the prompt, *If you added or replaced the word 'dragon' in the title of a story, what would the resulting plot and title become?*, one of the commenters suggested My Fair Dragon, "pompous professor Henry Higgins attempts to transform a dragon into someone who can pass for a cultured member of high society." Well, I read that and my mind went here...
Look at that, another pile of
cinders.
Every flame she spouts her progress hinders.
You might think I’m
being somewhat rash,
But everything I see’s been turned to ash.
[ELIZA (a dragon), lets out a belch of fire]
(Spoken) Heavens, what a blaze!
This is what the dragon population
Calls a mostly minor
conflagration.
See her taking to the skies,
Terror growing in our
eyes,
Wondering whose house she’s going to roast.
Is that thatching on
your roof?
That’s not very fireproof.
Soon enough this whole street will
be toast.
Feel the warmth upon the air
Catch a glimpse of scarlet
flare
I'd rather turn and run the other way.
Knight comes charging with a
sword,
Hoping for a big reward.
(Spoken) I tell you, that’s the worst part of her day.
It’s fire and smoke that keep her in her place.
Not
her scaly hide and spiny face.
Why can't the dragons teach their children
not to burn?
This pyrotechnic damage
Is causing much concern.
If you
played with fire, sir
The way that the dragons do
Why, you might well be
chased with lances, too!
A dragon’s way of breathing absolutely terrifies
us.
Her incendiary nature leaves her sadly vilified thus.
A dragon at a
social function, we may never get
Oh, why can't the dragons learn
to…
Set a good example to creatures whose
features are painful to us
men?
A wailing banshee’s silent now and then.
There even are beasties who
chiefly will help when we say when.
(Spoken) Like those delightful unicorns who protect the forest glen.
Why can't the dragons teach their
children not to burn?
An inflammatory subject
To which we should
return.
In society, every dragon must be ready to show
restraint
(Spoken) Though socialites really don’t care what you do as long as you use the right forks and keep your pinky talon raised.
If you
can hold those embers in, more folks would let you right through
Just show
you’re not a danger
And more people will invite you
But set a chap on
fire and your company he’ll spurn.
Why can't the dragons
Why can't the
dragons
Learn not to burn?
