A Ripple Song / Rudyard Kipling

Once red 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-raft. 
"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!