In heaven - A poem by Stephen Crane

Stephen Crane - In heaven

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.

Added: on April 10th, 2008 at 2:32 AM | Viewed: 21182 times | Comments and analysis of In heaven by Stephen Crane Comments (15)

In heaven - Comments and Information
Poet: Stephen Crane (Stephen Crane Art) Poem: 18. In heaven Volume: The Black Riders & Other Lines Year: Published/Written in 1905 Poem of the Day: Oct 12 2007 Comment 15 of 15, added on September 26th, 2008 at 5:13 PM. Though he may have misnamed the poem and misplaced its location, Stephen struck a blow for mercey in this poem---you know "unmerited favor"---salvation by works is a slippery slope---God is the judge of worth not humankind. David K Comment 14 of 15, added on August 20th, 2008 at 3:28 PM. I think that this poem is in reference to the teachings of Christ. In Matthew, Jesus teaches that when we pray, it shouldn't be in the streets to show off and when we fast, it shouldn't be to show others how righteous we are. All the bragging blades of grass were doing what God told us not to. The humble blade of grass probably did countless good deeds, but he just couldn't remember them because he did them with pure intent: to love God and fellow men and not to exalt himself. Ethan from United States Comment 13 of 15, added on April 10th, 2008 at 2:32 AM. I am currently doing a research paper for my college, and I was looking for some insight into people's opinions that I could somehow incorporate in my paper, but people, your views are horribly twisted. How can you possibly say that Crane was an Athiest? Read any biography about him. He was deeply religious and focused most of his poems on the afterlife and the glory of God. Great poems all around, and this is coming from a student who hates most poetry. Stephen from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, In heaven, has received 15 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Stephen Crane with others on the American Poems poetry forum!

Poem Info
Poet: Stephen Crane Poem: 18. In heaven Volume: The Black Riders & Other Lines Year: Published/Written in 1905 Last read: Nov 22 2009, 11:59PM Poem of the Day: Oct 12 2007 Viewed 21182 times. Added on April 10th, 2008 at 2:32 AM.

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