Steven Crane

Steven Crane-Once there was a man

Once there was a man --
Oh, so wise!
In all drink
He detected the bitter,
And in all touch
He found the sting.
At last he cried thus:
"There is nothing --
No life,
No joy,
No pain --
There is nothing save opinion,
And opinion be damned." 

I believe that this poem is about how everyone can't always be happy.  It shows how no matter how smart, how wise, or how rich a person is, they may not have it all like most people think that they do.  I like this poem because it shows the reality of life.  It also talks about how sometimes opinions are not respected or appreciated.  Opinions do not mean anything is some matters, you just want facts.  Part of me also does not like this poem because it does not have a "bright side" to it, as I would like it to have.  It is about how sad this man is, even though he is very wise.