A Ripple Song
Once a ripple came to landIn 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!