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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BLACK RIDERS: 5 by STEPHEN CRANE

Poet Analysis

First Line: ONCE THERE CAME A MAN
Last Line: KNEW NOT THE GREAT SIMPLICITY.
Once there came a man
Who said,
"Range me all men of the world in rows."
And instantly
There was terrific clamour among the people
Against being ranged in rows.
There was a loud quarrel, world-wide.
It endured for ages;
And blood was shed
By those who would not stand in rows,
And by those who pined to stand in rows.
Eventually, the man went to death, weeping.
And those who staid in bloody scuffle
Knew not the great simplicity.




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