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A Ripple Song

 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 ripplee 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 faithfut hand,
 Little feet that touched no land.
 Far away the ripple sped,
 Ripple-ripple runnin red!






Book: Reflection on the Important Things