Arterial

by Rudyard Kipling

　　

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I Frost upon small rain the ebony-lacquered avenue Reflecting lamps as a pool shows goldfish. The sight suddenly emptied out of the young man's eyes Entering upon it sideways. II In youth, by hazard, I killed an old man. In age I maimed a little child. Dead leaves under foot reproach not: But the lop-sided cherry-branch whenever the sun rises, How black a shadow!

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