Lawrence Hall, HSG
Mhall46184@aol.com


                                       Dragons for Your New Year

                                          For Doris and Anthony
                                       Who have known dragons

                    Eustace had read only the wrong books; they had a lot to
                    say about exports and imports and governments and
                    drains, but they were weak on dragons.

                   -C. S. Lewis, Voyage of the Dawn Treader


The dragons are a polite and ancient race
And very conscious of their dignity
It would not do to neglect their seasons and feasts
Lest they neglect to visit you this year

They want to bring good fortune to your house
But first you must make a place for them -
Their breath will warm your room, your hearth, your heart
Their knowledge will make your children worthy and wise

Their songs will send your family happy dreams
For dragons are a polite and generous race