The livid lightnings flashed in the clouds - A poem by Stephen Crane

Stephen Crane - The livid lightnings flashed in the clouds

The livid lightnings flashed in the clouds;
The leaden thunders crashed.
A worshipper raised his arm.
"Hearken! Hearken! The voice of God!"

"Not so," said a man.
"The voice of God whispers in the heart
So softly
That the soul pauses,
Making no noise,
And strives for these melodies,
Distant, sighing, like faintest breath,
And all the being is still to hear."

Added: on April 20th, 2005 at 8:49 AM | Viewed: 3739 times | Comments and analysis of The livid lightnings flashed in the clouds by Stephen Crane Comments (4)

The livid lightnings flashed in the clouds - Comments and Information
Poet: Stephen Crane Poem: 39. The livid lightnings flashed in the clouds Volume: The Black Riders & Other Lines Year: Published/Written in 1905 Poem of the Day: Mar 29 2002 Comment 4 of 4, added on February 3rd, 2007 at 7:57 PM. you guys got it all wrong.. it is kind of like the quote "God is dead" -Nietzsche.... he is commenting on how it is a popular idea that u must be quiet to hear the voice of God.. but the last line is saying that it hasnt been heard... as if .. there is no one there Mike from United States Comment 3 of 4, added on December 21st, 2005 at 5:09 PM. This poem is just like the story in 1 Kings 19:11-12 (in the Bible). Elijah was waiting before God on a mountain. First, a mighty wind came and tore into the mountain, then an earthwake, then a fire. But God was not in those. He then spoke to Elijah in a still, small voice. God chooses to speak to us this way, and it is wonderful!! Maxine Comment 2 of 4, added on April 20th, 2005 at 8:49 AM. i thinkit means that who ever you are, we can all hear the voice of God. It just depends on how you hear it. Elizabeth from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, The livid lightnings flashed in the clouds, has received 4 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: 39. The livid lightnings flashed in the clouds Volume: The Black Riders & Other Lines Year: Published/Written in 1905 Last read: May 14 2008, 7:41AM Poem of the Day: Mar 29 2002 Viewed 3739 times. Added on April 20th, 2005 at 8:49 AM.

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