The Sesquicentennial of the Birth of Stephen Crane

Stephen Crane was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1871. His books include the poetry collections The Black Riders and Other Lines (Copeland & Day, 1895), War Is Kind (Frederick A. Stokes, 1899), and most famously, the novel, The Red Badge of Courage (D. Appleton & Co., 1895). He died in June of 1900.

-- Poets.org | Academy of American Poets

"'Think as I think,' said a man," by Stephen Crane

Here is short, untitled poem XLVII from The Black Riders and Other Lines (1895) by Stephen Crane, who was born on this day in 1871 in Newark, New Jersey.


"Think as I think," said a man,
"Or you are abominably wicked;
"You are a toad."

And after I had thought of it,
I said, "I will, then, be a toad."

Stephen Crane (1871-1900)

"In the desert" by Stephen Crane

Here is a short, untitled poem by Stephen Crane, a poem the theme of which is alienation. This short, untitled poem of his was first published in his first collection of poems titled The Black Riders and Other Lines (1895).

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 (1871-1900)

American writer

Stephen Crane, born on this day in 1871 : The Poetry Foundation

Read a biography of this American writer: Stephen Crane : The Poetry Foundation

Stephen Crane (1871-1900)

"In Heaven" by Stephen Crane : The Poetry Foundation

American writer Stephen Crane was born on this day in 1871. Read this poem of his: In Heaven by Stephen Crane : The Poetry Foundation

Stephen Crane (1871-1900)

Chasing the Horizon: A Futile Endeavor?

     According to American politician Bob Dole, "The horizon is out there somewhere, and you just keep chasing it, looking for it and working for it." The following is an untitled poem, by American writer Stephen Crane (1871-1900), about a man chasing the horizon:

     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 (1871-1900)