Eden by Clair Wright

Deep within the tangled leaves,

Furled in the rippling shadow

It lies sleeping.

Tight coiled as an ammonite, a ridge

Of bright beads, dew-drop diamonds

Spring from its spine.

Amber orbs, flecked with gold, glitter

Through filmy lids.

It sleeps.

Frail folded wings, in papery pleats

Flicker with dreams of flight.

Ancient as rock, yet fine as a new leaf

Its emerald skin

Stretches and shrinks with each long breath.

In the warm damp air

A sigh of steam

Rises through the rich canopy -

As among the myriad undiscovered miracles

The dragon lies sleeping.