A spirit sped - A poem by Stephen Crane


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Stephen Crane - A spirit sped

A spirit sped
Through spaces of night;
And as he sped, he called,
"God! God!"
He went through valleys
Of black death-slime,
Ever calling,
"God! God!"
Their echoes
From crevice and cavern
Mocked him:
"God! God! God!"
Fleetly into the plains of space
He went, ever calling,
"God! God!"
Eventually, then, he screamed,
Mad in denial,
"Ah, there is no God!"
A swift hand,
A sword from the sky,
Smote him,
And he was dead.

Added: on May 30th, 2005 at 9:03 PM | Viewed: 5278 times | Comments and analysis of A spirit sped by Stephen Crane Comments (2)

A spirit sped - Comments and Information
Poet: Stephen Crane Poem: 68. A spirit sped Volume: The Black Riders & Other Lines Year: Published/Written in 1905 Poem of the Day: Nov 1 2005 Comment 2 of 2, added on January 17th, 2006 at 11:48 AM. Crane has a way to deliver the theme in such a minimalistic and simplistic way that even the most creatively-impaired person can undertsand it. I believe Crane is saying that even through our most troublesome journeys God is not there, but when we deny His power, he comes with revenge. In other words, God is a selfish one, caring only for himself. Joshua from Canada Comment 1 of 2, added on May 30th, 2005 at 9:03 PM. This poem is wonderfully simple and direct in its obvious portrayal of the uselessness of God, who is supposed to answer human suffereing: war, murder, oppression, brutality, etc., and yet He does not answer, he is not just. However, when there is peace, love, kindness, charity, life--suddenly He, our Allmighty, benevolent God, is to thank, to praise, and to worship. It seems God does work in mysterious ways; as well as illogical and unjust. Seems like a bit of a sham to me, and i think Stephen Crane would agree. Casey from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, A spirit sped, has received 2 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: 68. A spirit sped Volume: The Black Riders & Other Lines Year: Published/Written in 1905 Last read: May 11 2008, 6:01PM Poem of the Day: Nov 1 2005 Viewed 5278 times. Added on May 30th, 2005 at 9:03 PM.

Crane Info
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