In the Desert

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.”

-Stephen Crane

No deserto

Eu avistei uma criatura, nua, bestial,

Que, se agachando no chão,

Segurava o coração entre as mãos,

E o devorava.

Perguntei, “É bom, amigo?”

“É amargo—amargo,” ele respondeu;

“Mas eu gosto

“Porque é amargo,

“E porque é o meu coração.”