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Stephen Crane - Once there came a man

Once there came a man
Who said,
"Range me all men of the world in rows."
And instantly
There was terrific clamour among the people
Against being ranged in rows.
There was a loud quarrel, world-wide.
It endured for ages;
And blood was shed
By those who would not stand in rows,
And by those who pined to stand in rows.
Eventually, the man went to death, weeping.
And those who staid in bloody scuffle
Knew not the great simplicity.

Added: on June 1st, 2006 at 8:30 PM | Viewed: 11222 times | Comments and analysis of Once there came a man by Stephen Crane Comments (9)


Once there came a man - Comments and Information

Poet: Stephen Crane
Poem: 5. Once there came a man
Volume: The Black Riders & Other Lines
Year: Published/Written in 1905
Poem of the Day: Aug 11 2000

Comment 9 of 9, added on January 6th, 2008 at 3:44 PM.

This poem reminds me of a quote that I heard once. Don't make mountains out of molehills. That just means that don't make a huge deal (mountain) out of something that isn't a big deal at all (molehill).

Sally from Canada
Comment 8 of 9, added on December 21st, 2006 at 12:00 PM.

I agree with Chris completely. Such an issue of standing in rows can be solved without such stupidity and bloodshed, yet those who fight do not see this, and continue to fight for years without any kind of enlightenment to found.

Joshua from Canada
Comment 7 of 9, added on June 1st, 2006 at 8:30 PM.

In my view i see this as the way and thinking of Hitler

chris from United States

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