| Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922. | | | | A Ripple Song |
| | | ONCE a ripple came to land | |
| In the golden sunset burning— | |
| Lapped against a maiden’s hand, | |
| By the ford returning. | |
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| Dainty foot and gentle breast— | 5 |
| Here, across, be glad and rest. | |
| “Maiden, wait,” the ripple saith; | |
| “Wait awhile, for I am Death!” | |
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| “Where my lover calls I go— | |
| Shame it were to treat him coldly— | 10 |
| ’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; | 15 |
| “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. | 20 |
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| Foolish heart and faithful hand, | |
| Little feet that touched no land. | |
| Far away the ripple sped, | |
| Ripple—ripple running red! | | | | |
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