Tell Me About the Dragons, George.

 



(Cue: The theme from Patton)

    And if I were more ambitious, I would step before a video camera, walking up in front of a giant American flag and speak this aloud:

     “When John Steinbeck began his retelling of Sir Thomas Mallory’s Le Mort d’Arthur in 1956, he failed to include the legend of his own creation, that of of St. Lenny and the literary allegory of substituting a rabbit for the mythical dragon. Even upon it’s posthumous 1976 publication, The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights, Steinbeck’s “unfinished” manuscript failed to acknowledge St. George and St. Lenny at all - hence, the “unfinished” I suppose.  Regardless, we still celebrate St. George today - all things George, in fact.  The Sainted "George" - George of Lydda was a Roman soldier - and not a Knight - but he’s rumored to have killed a dragon, which is much cooler than refusing to denounce one’s Christianity (for which he was killed and later sainted). So, let’s now give a nod to all the other Georges, who given the chance might not fare so well against dragons or the Church, for that matter.  Let’s see, I’ve already set the stage for George C. Scott and George S. Patton, so how about George (no middle initial) Washington, or George Washington Carver? There’s George Harrison or George Martin if you want things FAB. There’s Clooney, Lucas, Orwell or Strait. Curious George, or not so curious George Michael or Boy. There’s George Lindsey - Mayberry’s Goober. George Bush (either) - America’s Goobers. George Jones, George Clinton (P-Funk could handle a Dragon), George Foreman, George Carlin, or George Costanza.  But I’d probably have to go with my Grandfather George Dickey.  All great Georges and I salute you - but we’re talking dragons, folks.     

      Here there be dragons, ya'll, least we forget - and while I prefer to wait eleven months for St Patrick and take my chances with snakes (and beer) - I suggest, today, you keep the company of your George of choice, just in case.  That's all."                                                      

(Cue Exit Music: Patton theme)

Happy St. George Day!

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