Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BLACK RIDERS: 22 by STEPHEN CRANE

Poet Analysis

First Line: ONCE I SAW MOUNTAINS ANGRY
Last Line: WHO STOOD AGAINST THE MOUNTAINS.
Subject(s): ANCESTORS & ANCESTRY; HERITAGE; HEREDITY;
ONCE I saw mountains angry,
And ranged in battle-front.
Against them stood a little man;
Ay, he was no bigger than my finger.
I laughed, and spoke to one near me,
"Will he prevail?"
"Surely," replied this other;
"His grandfathers beat them many times."
Then did I see much virtue in grandfathers, --
At least, for the little man
Who stood against the mountains.



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