Introspection — what better way to start a week.
Looking back on my childhood, I had small bouts of imagination. I didn’t have time to dream. But, on occasion, I did.
Puff, the Magic Dragon (by Peter, Paul & Mary 1963)
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honah Lee
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff
And brought him strings, and sealing wax, and other fancy stuff
Together they would travel on a boat with billowed sail
Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff's gigantic tail
Noble kings and princes would bow whenever they came
Pirate ships would lower their flags when Puff roared out his name
Oh, Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist, in a land called Honah Lee
Puff, the magic dragon, lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist, in a land called Honah Lee
A dragon lives forever, but not so little boys
Painted wings and giant's rings make way for other toys
One gray night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more
And Puff, that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar
His head was bent in sorrow, green scales fell like rain
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane
Without his lifelong friend, Puff could not be brave
So Puff, that mighty dragon, sadly slipped into his cave
I knew this song was sad. The innocence of childhood taken. It made me cry. His imaginary friend banished to a cave. Unfortunately, I knew all too well my childhood, too, had been taken. Way too soon – never to return.
As I complete my journey here on this earth, I pray I find more moments to dream, supplement reality and just have fun in imagination and thought. Something I’ve known far too little of.
Leave a Reply