Some Depressing Poetry by Stephen Crane

I took these from the Poetry Foundation, a great resource for anyone who loves to look well read via occasionally posting poetry on their blog.  Each of these poems was written by Stephen Crane, author of "The Red Badge of Courage".  I am sure he was a real peach to be around.

In the Desert
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.”


"I saw a man pursuing 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.


A Man Said to the Universe
A man said to the universe:
“Sir, I exist!”
“However,” replied the universe,
“The fact has not created in me
A sense of obligation.”