10 Comments
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Larisa Rimerman's avatar

I don't know about the symbolism of the Dragon, but the poem reflects life brilliantly, and your photo is gorgeous.

Jonathan Potter's avatar

Thank you, Larisa. The dragon referenced here relates to the I Ching — power, good fortune, strength, wisdom, and benevolence … but also danger. In this case the double danger of the past and future undermining the present.

Larisa Rimerman's avatar

Thank you for the explanation. This meaning is too complicated to be seen in your poem. I love the poem as itself, as I read it.

Jonathan Potter's avatar

Just staying within the confines of the poem, I think it's pretty straightforward that the "double" of the last line relates to the past and future of the first line.

Larisa Rimerman's avatar

The most beautiful photo, and the moon’s reflection in the water, is so alive.

Gary Spangler's avatar

I read briefly on “Double Dragon” and thought all the video game references were unlikely to pertain. The “coming out both ends explosively”, while not impossible, doesn’t square with Jonathan the poet. The effect of too much treasure, particularly that sort guarded by dragons, could not be ruled out!

Jonathan Potter's avatar

Interesting reference, Gary. I had no idea.

Gary Spangler's avatar

Few of my searches, physical or mental, turn up “the answer.” Likely because many exist?

Rufus McCain's avatar

What I take from the poem is a speaker trying not to be torn apart by temporal conflict -- past self, future fear, present precariousness -- and choosing dawn, now, and survival over interpretation or force. That’s a strong little poem. It feels leaner and more immediately endangered than “Enter the Dragon,” and that gives it its own charge.

Peter Whisenant's avatar

Straddling, clinging, holding . . . to no avail: another damn day, here it is.