Texas Red-eyed Dragons

Irene Keller

April 6, 2025

Reigning political voices, like ancient red-eyed dragons,

     shoot flames from cavernous mouths; their fiery control ravages 

           those who dare to offer different thoughts or question their wrath.

After their flames burn through deserved human rights: 

     body autonomy, health security, gun constraints, enough water,  

          natural energy; my singed, fighting spirit must return home to heal. 

When home, cool water once more soothes my scars,

     favored varied colored threads mend my fragmented strength, 

          regained courage determined to extinguish more red-eyed flames.   

But first, my damaged self needs to be with its trusted friend                                       

     a live oak that reminds me, “I have hundred year old roots that

          have survived such searing times. Today’s hatred will destroy itself.”

Again, I lean against the live oak and listen for more wisdom: 

     “For now, share your colored threads with others, smooth balm 

          on their wounds; together push crazed dragons back into dark caves.”

As I walk away from my old friend, her leaves awake 

     to murmur, “Hate is swallowed by the oxygen we breathe, 

          sent into clouds that will create rain to cleanse the smoldering ash.”

Irene Keller, Ph.D. In the past, she received accolades for teaching, indicating dedication to her profession and to her students. Past or present, she has always had poetry in her life: past she taught poetry; present she writes poetry.  Some of her poems have appeared in Texas Poetry Assignment, The Senior Class: 100 Poets on Aging, Texas Poetry Calendar, and the winner of the 2024 Austin Poetry Society contest.