Rudyard Kipling

"The Undertakers" -- The Second Jungle Book


   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!