When you hear the name Stephen Crane, what first comes to mind? If you're like most people, the first thing that probably comes to mind is "The Red Badge of Courage." However, no seems to realize that Stephen Crane was also an amazing poet (well, at least I think he was amazing). His poetry always seems to get overlooked. If I ever decided to not be lazy, maybe I'll type up some of his stuff on here. Has anyone ever read much of Crane's poetry? And are the any authors that you thinked are recognized for one thing but overlooked another?

Actually, I can't think of any. That doesn't mean I don't know of any, though.

Here's a website with a biography and some links to poetry for you (and everyone else). Thought I'd save you the typing trouble. :)

Website on Stephen Crane


I'm finding the simplicity enticing. I know I read his work in high school, but I'm not sure I've come across much of it since then. This was a nice reminder, thanks.

And thank you, Sam, for the website. Yah, it does save me a lot of typing :) The simple, yet deep, nature of his writing is something that I really enjoy about it as well. Here are a few of my favorites...


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

-Stephen Crane, War is Kind & Other Lines


"It was wrong to do this," said the angel.
"You should live like a flower,
Holding malice like a puppy,
Waging war like a lambkin."

"Not so," quoth the man
Who had no fear of spirits;
"It is only wrong for angels
Who can live like the flowers,
Holding malice like the puppies,
Waging war like the lambkins."

-Stephen Crane, The Black Riders & Other Lines


I saw a man pursuing the horizon;
Round and round they sped.
I was disturbed at this;
I accosted the man.
"It is futile," I said,
"You can never -"

"You lie," he cried,
And ran on.

-Stephen Crane, The Black Riders & Other Lines


In the desert
I saw a creature, naked, bestial,
Who, squatting upon the ground,
Held his heart in his hands,
And ate of it.
I said: "Is it good, friend?"
"It is bitter - bitter," he answered;
"But I like it
Because it is bitter,
And because it is my heart."

-Stephen Crane, The Black Riders & Other Lines

I love Stephen Crane's poetry! I'm definitely not a fan of The Red Badge of Courage .

I know only of Crane's "Red Badge" and was completely unfamiliar with his poetry. The first one you have about the universe reminds me of Douglas Adams' "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" in topic and tone.