Dragonflies
Posted: Sat May 18, 2013 7:39 am
This poem was inspired when we visited the Northern Territory. Doing the tourist thing and taking the tour to see the wonders of Yellow Waters, I noticed these little Dragonflies. At least I think they were 'dragon' flys. They were a vivid purplish-electric blue and there were quite a lot of them hovering just a few centimetres above the water. Every few seconds they would dip down and poke their rear end into the water then lift again only to repeat this action over and over. My guess is that they were laying eggs. There were probably hundreds of them as I could see them l over the place and this behaviour went on all day. This is the fifty second poem I have posted on the site. (Yes, 52!)
Dragonflies
Zondrae King (Corrimal) 12/11
On summer days, when time is ripe, and temperature just so
of nature’s wonders I observe and time just seems to slow.
In hidden waterways and ponds or back behind a hill
a stirring comes, when time is ripe, in air so warm and still.
Then Dragonfly and Damsel too and Lacewing every one
begin to hatch and stretching out their wings to catch the sun,
they wait a while, ‘til wings are dry, then take their maiden flight.
Their time is short, they must be off, and mate before the night.
Then following on natures urge, each finds a mate the same,
and fly to nearest water, laying eggs their only aim.
The Antlion and Owlfly are the rarities it’s true
but if you watch, when time is ripe, they could pass near to you.
When Dragonflies are resting they will hold their wings out wide
but little cousin, Damsel holds hers folded by her side.
Perhaps the first impression is the wings are angel spun
and legs, though like a cotton thread, supporting every one.
Sometimes I sit in comfort, like a sentry, in the shade,
and with some luck I just may see a Dragonflies’ parade.
Those lacy wings of varied tint, of royal blue or red
and rainbow hue make humming songs from right behind the head.
Two pairs of wings to carry them, their body slim and sleek.
They do not have a language but with pheromones they speak.
For time is short perhaps a day, perhaps an afternoon,
is all they have to procreate before the coming moon.
Has nature made their rainbow gossamer to compensate
for length of time upon the earth? - just minutes with their mate.
When time is ripe, they make our world a part of their domain
it matters not if water is in what we call a drain.
In Kakadu I saw them fly above the waterway,
in vivid blue, dart here and there. This must have been their day!
Just centimetres over lily pads, their darting flight,
and each few seconds dip their tail to lay eggs out of sight.
Some folk go off to Africa to hunt the five big game
but I prefer to stay at home, admitting with no shame,
I’ll be here, in my comfort zone, in Summer and in Spring.
I’d rather wait for Dragonflies and watch them on the wing.
Dragonflies
Zondrae King (Corrimal) 12/11
On summer days, when time is ripe, and temperature just so
of nature’s wonders I observe and time just seems to slow.
In hidden waterways and ponds or back behind a hill
a stirring comes, when time is ripe, in air so warm and still.
Then Dragonfly and Damsel too and Lacewing every one
begin to hatch and stretching out their wings to catch the sun,
they wait a while, ‘til wings are dry, then take their maiden flight.
Their time is short, they must be off, and mate before the night.
Then following on natures urge, each finds a mate the same,
and fly to nearest water, laying eggs their only aim.
The Antlion and Owlfly are the rarities it’s true
but if you watch, when time is ripe, they could pass near to you.
When Dragonflies are resting they will hold their wings out wide
but little cousin, Damsel holds hers folded by her side.
Perhaps the first impression is the wings are angel spun
and legs, though like a cotton thread, supporting every one.
Sometimes I sit in comfort, like a sentry, in the shade,
and with some luck I just may see a Dragonflies’ parade.
Those lacy wings of varied tint, of royal blue or red
and rainbow hue make humming songs from right behind the head.
Two pairs of wings to carry them, their body slim and sleek.
They do not have a language but with pheromones they speak.
For time is short perhaps a day, perhaps an afternoon,
is all they have to procreate before the coming moon.
Has nature made their rainbow gossamer to compensate
for length of time upon the earth? - just minutes with their mate.
When time is ripe, they make our world a part of their domain
it matters not if water is in what we call a drain.
In Kakadu I saw them fly above the waterway,
in vivid blue, dart here and there. This must have been their day!
Just centimetres over lily pads, their darting flight,
and each few seconds dip their tail to lay eggs out of sight.
Some folk go off to Africa to hunt the five big game
but I prefer to stay at home, admitting with no shame,
I’ll be here, in my comfort zone, in Summer and in Spring.
I’d rather wait for Dragonflies and watch them on the wing.