A Ripple Song

by Rudyard Kipling

　　Once a ripple came to land

　　     In the golden sunset burning--

　　Lapped against a maiden’s hand,

　　     By the ford returning.

　　Dainty foot and gentle breast--

　　     Here, across, be glad and rest.

　　“Maiden, wait,” the ripple saith.

　　     “Wait awhile, for I am Death!”

　　“Where my lover calls I go--

　　     Shame it were to treat him coldly--

　　’Twas a fish that circled so,

　　     Turning over boldly.”

　　Dainty foot and tender heart,

　　     Wait the loaded ferry-cart.

　　“Wait, ah, wait!” the ripple saith;

　　     “Maiden, wait, for I am Death!”

　　“When my lover calls I haste--

　　     Dame Disdain was never wedded!”

　　Ripple-ripple round her waist,

　　     Clear the current eddied.

　　Foolish heart and faithful hand,

　　     Little feet that touched no land.

　　Far away the ripple sped,

　　     Ripple--ripple--running red!