I love dragonflies. Today, while walking in the parking lot
after work, there was a dragonfly flying right beside me as I made my way to
the car.
It seemed to say, "Hey there, where are you going,
sugah? Wanna play?"
As I was in the mood to talk to dragonflies, I said, "Aye.
You're a purdy one." I stopped in my tracks so I could enjoy the sight of
it hovering beside me, hints of green on its plump body, big eyes, long erect
tail, and dainty wings fluttering on some unseen current of air. But within a
few moments, it tired of my inspection and flew away. (To be honest, I was
quite surprised it kept abreast of me that long.) I smiled and thought nothing
more of the sighting as I got into my car. But as I was getting ready to sail
away, another dragonfly reappeared near my car window, hovered momentarily as
if speaking something I should’ve understood and then flew away— again.
Those of you, who know me, know I believe creatures come to
us for reasons. This dates back to my blog about Native American Animal Speak. Hawks
have come to me in countless different ways and I know whenever I see them
something good is about to happen. But today, I saw a dragonfly. And so, I
began to wonder, as I do, what harbinger of natural goodness this insect brought
me.
First, I had to know a bit more about this creature. Dragonfly,
it seems, is a very old species, over 180 million years old. It’s known for flight
and maneuverability, dazzling with wingspan and prowess as its beautiful form
shifts direction on a dime. Symbolizing the power of light, its life initiates
in water, where it goes through a nymph-like metamorphosis and then jets to the
skies. Dragonfly totems are also very spiritual. They signify passion and
emotion, bringing life into balance, clarity and control. Is this what I’m
supposed to learn? Perhaps it was telling me I needed fresh air. Funny, I’d just
been thinking I hadn't been outside in ages or paid attention to nature for
some time because I’d been stuck in the house doing edits. Apparently, this
particular dragonfly, or set of dragonflies, wanted me to change my perspective.
Dragonflies are territorial. Did you know that? For such a
dainty creature, you wouldn’t think so. That had me wondering. If dragonflies
need water, why is the creature flying around a parking lot full of hot
concrete? Turns out, dragonflies are the most adaptable insects on the planet,
though I thought that distinction went to roaches. Harbingers of light,
dragonflies are only out during daylight hours. Why, because they're
cold-blooded and need the sun’s warmth to survive.
Ah! Now I’m starting to see ‘the light’. Dragonfly wants me
to spend more time in the sun, absorbing Vitamin D, chill-axing near a fresh
water source... aka— my pool. But it's almost fall, I lament! And the pool
water is quickly cooling off. Football is on t.v. I’m ready for college ball
games, for Peyton, Tim, Eli and Cam. I need to knit baby blankets for DD#1 and
curl up on the couch with MV Freeman’s debut book. And the rum is gone!
I saw a dragonfly today, and without any rum! It hinted change was acomin’. It gave me a
glimpse of amazing possibilities and asked me to see past the illusions before
me so that my own spiritual light could shine.
And you
thought I’d just seen a dragonfly. Do you believe creatures bring messages from
the natural realm? Has an animal/insect/or bird visited you lately? And if so,
was there any rum involved?
Katherine Bone
DUKE BY DAY, ROGUE BY NIGHT Crimson Romance 10/29
