XVII

In Heaven

Some little blades of grass

Stood before God.

“What did you do?”

Then all save one of the little blades

Began eagerly 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 if 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