IN HEAVEN
[XVIII]

In Heaven,
Some little blades of grass
stood before God.
"What did you do?"
Then all save on of the little blades of grass
Began eager to relate
The merits of their lives.
This one stayed a small way behind
Ashamed.
Presently God said:
"And what did you do?"
The little blade answered, "Oh, my Lord,
"Memory is bitter to me
"For it I did good deeds
"I know not of them."
Then God in all His splendor
Arose from his throne.
"Oh, best little blade of grass," He said.

~ Stephen Crane, 1871-1900