Date Placed: 4/27/02
Location: Independence Oaks County Park
Oakland County, Michigan
Clarkston, Michigan
1.5 miles north on Sashabaw Road of Pine Knob Skiing and Music Theater
Level of Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Entrance to park free with Oakland County Parks sticker or daily pass

Dragonflies Are Free

Beyond the water’s edge,

yet nowhere in the sea,

there sleeps a little dragonfly

beneath a crumbling tree.

The road that leads the way

winds southeast, by and by;

your starting point lies near its end,

where pavement smooth turns pavement dry.

To find the blue invertebrate

that lies in hibernation,

leave nothing but your footprints,

take only inspiration.

Degrees two hundred twenty

in a western way

will set you on the perfect course

to leave your cares at bay.

Stroll beneath the canopy

to where the tiny water flows,

take seventy more paces west,

add north to west and point your toes.

The path ahead winds gently on

through trees both felled and standing.

Follow onward, to a point,

and find the second landing.

Before you stands a talking tree

who wears his guest list on his sleeves.

The dragonfly lies fast asleep

in powdery bark near crispy leaves.