July 26, 2014 - The Azure Dragonfly

In case you didn't know it, the azure dragonfly is one of the most magical dragonflies in Maine.  Down at the pond, they rule exclusively in the insect kingdom.  They're unusually peaceful for dragons, and I've never seen one breathe fire.  Now you may recall my post in April about the forest dragons.  Those dragons are much fiercer and just love to play riddle games and eat the unsuspecting loser of the game.  But these azure dragonflies have another talent, which I find much more useful, and it's not nearly as awful as being eaten.  They can answer simple questions with a "yes" or "no."  If you are in a real quandary and can't decide whether you should or should not do something, ask an azure dragonfly.  If he hovers around you, especially in front of your face, that means "yes."  If he flies straight away, that means "no."  This really works.  If a bunch of them hover around your face, go buy a lottery ticket.

And did I mention that I'm starting to learn some of their language?  'Tis true.  As an example, if many of them hover in one spot, land, hover again, and do this rapidly several times in a row, it means there is magic afoot in the forest, usually of the fairy variety.  If two of them fly together hand-in-hand, it means we're in for a spell of sunny weather.  If they change color from azure to brown to azure repeatedly, it usually means that your milk has gone bad.  As you can see, they're quite useful.  And also as I said, they don't eat people (at least not anymore), so that's a real plus.

Azure dragonflies like to travel in packs and sun themselves on the reeds.  They are my constant companions down at the pond, but only when the sun is shining.  When it is cool and misty, they disappear.  Like all dragons, they're quite conceited and can't bear to be seen with their fine azure coats damp and unkempt. But that's part of being a dragon, I suppose.

The azure dragonfly.