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.
i dunno what to say other than that these are perfect! Realllly love that second one, hot damn!
Thanks, Jill! I admit I’m rather fond of that second image. It’s one of a kind: he climbed off the leaf right after I took it. Doggone it!
Beautiful, all of them…but I too love the unexpected framing of the second pic…just gorgeous!
You’re too kind, C. Thank you! And you found the word I was searching for: framing. Now if only I had planned that… đŸ˜‰
Jason, I have dragonflies where I live, and this has been a banner year for them. Your photos are amazing!
I’m glad you like them, John. Thanks! It has been a good year for dragonflies, but not quite as good as it has been for stink bugs.
What fabulous photos! The composition was wonderful. Lots of photographers make images of dragonflies, but yours are extra-special. Bravo. And, I’ll bet you’re enjoying the cooler weather, too; I know that I am here in the Mid-Atlantic.
Thanks, Scott! You’re too generous. And you betcha! We had record-setting heat this year that lasted right up until last weekend. It was either time for summer to end or for the state of Texas to move north. WAY north.