A Ripple Song by Rudyard Kipling
The poem explores themes of love, mortality, and the inevitability of death through the metaphor of a ripple in water. It begins with a ripple reaching the shore at sunset, personified as it interacts with a maiden. The ripple expresses a desire for the maiden to pause, revealing its identity as Death. The maiden, however, is torn between her affection for her lover and the ripple's warning. She is depicted as delicate and innocent, embodying the tension between life and the call of death. The ripple urges her to wait, emphasizing the transient nature of life and the urgency of love. As the poem progresses, the maiden's loyalty to her lover is highlighted, showcasing her determination to respond to his call despite the ripple's insistence. The imagery of water serves as a powerful symbol of life's flow and the inevitability of fate. The ripple's persistence reflects the inescapable nature of death, while the maiden's struggle illustrates the human experience of love and loss. Ultimately, the poem captures the delicate balance between life and death, love and loss, urging readers to reflect on the fleeting moments of existence and the profound connections that define human experience. The interplay of light and dark, life and death, creates a poignant meditation on the nature of love and the inevitability of mortality.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism · 275 words
First lines
Once a 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 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!"
What this Textopian page supports
A Ripple Song is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Symbolism, Lyrical, Fantasy
- Length: 275 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhythm and imagery typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, longing, and nature are prevalent, characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Symbolism — The ripple serves as a symbol for deeper themes such as life, death, and the passage of time.
- Lyrical — The emotional expression and personal reflection align with lyrical poetry.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · nature · death · love · romance · metaphor · river · ferry · life · loss · longing