dragon and princes

he gave me jigsaws
for my birthday
ten dragons of various sizes
some friendly
some not

I only mentioned puzzles
once, in passing
how every Christmas
Dad sets out card tables.
we play until New Years is long over

he remembered
passing comments
meant to be forgotten
as soon as said

is it dating
if only one is on display?
I didn’t know that my
obligation was to catch
his passing comments
he never asked me anything

he didn’t help.
he sat watching as I focused
on tiny shapes.
dreaming of dragons
swooping in to rescue
me from my prince.

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