Secret Shores

Secret Shores
by John Stokes

Flowing Southward on silvery leaves,
The faerie armada enters the stream.
As luna blinks above the tupelo trees,
Lightening bugs awake from daylight dreams.

Swirling slowly on currents dark,
Sweeping strokes with oak stem oars.
Water nymphs ride on boats of bark,
As high on mists the dragonfly's soar.

O'er beds of gold hid since DeSoto came,
The invisible ones seek a higher calling.
On maps of sand marks the meeting land,
Source of seasons end, of season coming.

To secret shores the minute journey,
Icy breeze whispering to the Southern wind,
Bring nectar and honey forth from the bee,
Tell the Monarch his regal queen to send.

Around the sparkle of the frozen stone,
Long into the chilly night they come.
A bobbin' along to the secret throne,
Cicadas and crickets strum and hum.

As the leaves and bark cluster and dock,
The gathered speak forth the decree,
That tonight, winters grasp will stop.
Tomorrow, Spring shall ride her winged steed.

A hush and prostrate lies the throng.
The Eastern skies afire come alive.
A crescendo lifts in glorious song,
The Monarch and his queen have arrived.

Flitting forward the Royals take court,
The great steed of spring paws the earth.
With a shout the Monarch says, Go Forth!
And Spring rides, ending Winter's mirth.

So should you see Monarch and his queen beside,
On secret shores of faerie land lore so true,
You have been given eyes to witness Springs great ride,
Through Winters warming skies of royal blue!