A Ripple Song
A Ripple Song - meaning Summary
Danger Disguised as Beauty
Kipling's lyric tells of a maiden by a ford who mistakes a bloodstained ripple for a playful fish or a lover's call. The ripple repeatedly invites her to "wait," but it is revealed as Death, not romance. Her faith and innocence lead her to trust and step into the current, carried away by the red water. The poem contrasts naive desire with a hidden, fatal danger that lures through charm.
Read Complete AnalysesOnce 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!
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