CRANE

STEPHEN CRANE (1871-1900) 

A MAN SAID TO THE UNIVERSE 

1899 

A man said to the universe:
"Sir, I exist!
"However," replied the universe,
"The fact has not created in me
"A sense of obligation."

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STEPHEN CRANE (1871-1900) 

IN HEAVEN 


1895 

In Heaven, 
Some little blades of grass
Stood before God.
"What did you do?"
Then all save one of the little blades
Began eagerly to relate
The merits of their lives.
This one stayed a small way behind
Ashamed.
Presently God said:
"And what did you do?"
The little blade answered: "Oh, my lord,
"Memory is bitter to me
"For if I did good deeds
"I know not of them."
Then God in all His splendor
Arose from His throne.
"Oh, best little blade of grass," He said.

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The End