Or Appreciate a Dragon Day, at least according to Facebook. January 14 was also the Welsh New Year Hen Galen, at least for those in Wales who still know the ancient calendar.
Of course, the Welsh symbol is the Red Dragon, or Draig Goch, so this day is especially meaningful. The day prompted me to write a poem. I hope you like it. I will be working to translate it to Welsh.
I Rise
The sun rises over Offa’s Dyke.
I stretch my talons.
I spread my wings.
I soar over Yr Wyddfa, my home.
I rise.
In Dynas Emerys I fought
The White Dragon
Tooth and talon we fought.
As Myrddyn foresaw, I won.
I rise.
Undaunted by Pictish spears, Saxon axes,
Gaelic shields or English horse,
I made Wales my home.
For the people there,
I rise!
Through fire, blood and steel,
Through siege and occupation,
Through cruelty and tyranny
Through false kings and princes,
I rise.
Rhodri Mawr hatched my egg
Macsen wielding Caliburn rode me east
Arthur carried me into battle.
Llewelyn brought all under my wings,
I rise!
Rise, you bards, you poets!
Rise you warriors, you friends of Fae!
You, who have dragon fire in your hearts
And songs in your throats,
We rise!
Meditations of a Bald, Fat Guy 