Arterial

Rudyard Kipling

                            I

Frost upon small rain--the ebony-lacquered avenue
   Reflecting lamps as a pool shows goldfish.
The sight suddenly emptied out of the young man's eyes
   Entering upon it sideways.


                           II

In youth, by hazard, I killed an old man.
         In age I maimed a little child.
Dead leaves under Foot reproach not:
But the lop-sided cherry-branch--whenever the sun rises,
         How black a shadow!

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