The Dragon Burns

The dragon is awakening
I feel it moving, rolling,
I feel the heat of its breath against my ribcage
I feel its heartbeat quicken
Mine quickens in response
I thought it would sleep forever
Lulled into permanent slumber
By the love I found in my family
Removing the need
To watch it burn
But the dragon burns again
Waking slowly, painfully
I feel it raise its ugly head
Pressing against my heart
With searing pressure
Opening its gaping maw
Beckoning me with the smoke
I thought had left me forever
The need is harsh and sharp
And it pulls me toward the precipice
The abyss that swallowed so many
Precious years
The fear is palpable
The fear of losing the family
That has kept me sane
Kept me grounded and
Extinguished the burning draw
Of the dragons tongue
Claws dig into my flesh
As I wrap my soul around its neck
And push him down again