Every winter
I become dragon
Wings unfurl
Black combat boots crunch
Against the icy ground
Claws raking streaks like stars

Every winter
I become dragon
Because my heart is a princess
Stuck within the towers created by my ribcage
She mourns
I grow scales of armor

Every winter
I become dragon
"This isn't working out"
The sound of tears washes over the chambers of the castle
I swish my tail, I close my eyes
I can feel the walls tremble

Every winter
I become dragon
Because I grow stronger
I do so because I realize only I am able to protect myself
I curl myself around the princess and swear to do better
Spring will come, in time