In the Desert

by Stephen Crane

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 am not a fan of poetry, usually. However, this poem has always fascinated me. The first time I encountered it may have been in a Stephen King novel, but I am not entirely sure anymore.