where small streams are flowing,
What is your kingdom
and whom do you rule?
“Mine are the places
where wet grass is growing,
Mine are the people of marshland and pool.
“Kingfisher-courtiers,
swift-flashing, beautiful,
Dragon-flies, minnows,
are mine one and all;
Little frog-servants who
wait round me, dutiful,
Hop on my errands and come when I call.”
Gentle Queen Meadowsweet,
served with such loyalty,
Have you no crown then,
no jewels to wear?
“Nothing I need
for a sign of my royalty,
Nothing at all but my own fluffy hair!”