Ichetucknee Queen

Ichetucknee Queen
by John Clare Stokes

The shimmering bejeweled necklace adorns a Queen
Refracting beyond measure Ishoholo's eternal sun
Through moss hung mists we glide in aromatic dream
While above Cloudless Sulphurs reflect in pristine run.

Dugout canoe bobs upon Ichetucknee

Our Queens train is laden with emerald threads
Along her path, bouquets of yellow buttons strewn
Deep below, the Menhaden hover over sandy beds
The lame dip thrice under a healing full moon.

Cheehoter cries upon Ichetucknee

Blue Heron Duenna guard her hidden treasures
As massing throngs bow in rapid succession
Below, above, beside a glory unseen beyond measure
Her enervating abundance never to lessen.

Coacoachee creeps along Ichetucknee

This floating Mendicant offers mere alms
Unworthy to enter this vaporous veil
Yet heard in aqua blue her voice saying, come
The blade breaks the facet to reveal the trail.

Float royal abydos upon Ichetucknee
Find joy Chechoter upon Ichetucknee
Come Queen to Coacoohee upon Ichetucknee
Bestow peace to warriors upon Ichetucknee.