Relegated to passenger status as my love prefers to take the wheel, I peer out my window and gaze upon the clouds. They always have some fascinating story to tell. Some days I see bunnies and bears frolicking about in the sky. But sometimes, the clouds tell a more ominous tale as my imagination takes over.

The Dragon’s Tail is an ongoing narrative that began years ago when I was a little girl, lying on the front lawn on a hot summer day. Having exhausted myself running through the sprinkler, I watched as the clouds started rolling in, bringing with them all the usual fluffy figures that tickled my fancy.

But that particular afternoon, a different vision took shape and filled the sky above. It was a mix of cumulus and stratus clouds stretched out to make the shape of a dragon. My fanciful thoughts created a scenario whereby I was a damsel in distress, needing the dragon to be slayed to ensure my survival.

But suddenly, the dragon’s head turned, and inquisitive eyes seemed to bore through my soul. I realized that I wasn’t in danger at all as the dragon invited me to ride upon his back and join him in defeating the true enemy and defending the kingdom.

Ever since that day, when I feel like I need a reminder that I am strong and don’t require rescuing, I’ve been able to find my dragon in the sky. Sometimes he appears in full form, but occasionally all I see is his tail, reminding me that I have things under control.

And there he is this morning, appearing unexpectedly but always welcome.

Perhaps sometimes, being in control means relinquishing it to the one you trust most.