We order a flight of dragons

Cloud-Nine, Black Dragon

Silk, refined creatures all.

 

Cloud dragon dozes in its murky cave

dripping glitter stalactites, while

Black dragon picks mushrooms

 

and Silk Dragon weaves around your throat

like a ribbon. Yes, they’re three different sakes,

but we soar over apple orchards on a crisp morning

 

the air is toothy with the threat of rain,

the ghost of blossoms.

Our toes dip into soft dark earth,

 

disturbing a fairy ring. We toast

our good fortune with drippy garlic sweet

slathered wings and cabbage pickles

like the ridges on a dragon’s back.

 

All the stars are made of chili

as we glide over umami seas