Summer Acrobats

They're at it for real now: the dragonflies and damselflies are mating with summer's frenzy. Like ecdysiasts or Cirque du Soleil gymnasts, Slender Bluets flex their abdomens; fly linked together, he pulling, both finding the place where they can connect; light, sometimes still winging for balance; complete their union (sometimes quickly, sometimes for an hour); return to the water and water plants for ovipositing, the female often doing the choosing, whether still linked, overwatched, or alone.

(Picture me: the perv leaning in for better focus.)