after you killed the dragon

after you killed the dragon, i butchered the corpse 

because it would be a shame to waste so much meat 

and what do you want i asked you, and you said 

everything so i said alright, i can do that, 

reaching for the knife. 

sizzling steaks and ribs, glazed in melting honey 

and sausages stuffed with liver 

a roasted heart 

sweetbreads soaked in a buttermilk sauce. 

best barbecue i've ever had you said, 

compliments to the chef, 

and i laughed at that, dropping peppers 

into the bright red stew, 

you're really gonna love this one, 

and you smiled, face bloody, 

teeth sharp and gold with treasure 

spoon balanced on a greasy lip-- 

your best yet, i think. 

the bones simmered for three nights 

until they were hollow, stock 

thick with marrow, and we ate 

together, bowls still warm, 

over a graveyard black with the dead.