Summer’s back lay broken, snapped asunder by the abrupt coolness of autumnal change.  The dreaded heat crumbled.  I stood before dawn this morning and realized I could see my breath wisp through morning’s shadow.

An early walk along the drip line of riparian woods revealed dragons too cold to fly, giant predators yearning for the day’s heat to warm them.  Common green darners (a.k.a. green darner or dragon fly; Anax junius) hanging on every thicket, every bramble, every dead and dying leaf.  How quickly things change.

‘Twas merely a few days ago when morning lows equaled today’s high, when these stunning creatures filled the still dark air before sunrise.  But no more.

They watch carefully, sluggishly, and fall easily when trying to escape the prying eyes of morning onlookers.

Though now is there season, they must kneel at the sun’s altar before their day begins.  Recharging as it were, drawing energy until their bodies can sustain activity.

They watch me, these dragons, and they long to take flight as I approach.

I feel the warmth of the sun against my bare neck.  It feels good contrasted with the coolness of the morning.  As I turn and walk away, I know dragons will soon take to the sky.