A Woman Said To the Universe (Adaptation)

A woman said to the universe:
"Sir, see me as equal!"
"I hear you," replied the universe,
"But I can't see you 
Because that tall man's head is blocking your face."


Adaption from Steven Crane's "A Man Said to the Universe"

A man said to the universe: 
"Sir I exist!" 
"However," replied the universe, 
"The fact has not created in me 
A sense of obligation."


When I was 18 Steven Crane's poem was pasted over my desk at work.  It has always been 
a source of inspiration and intrigue.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Booker Avatar
September 12, 2022 at 10:30 AM
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Thekidster Avatar
January 22, 2010 at 10:27 PM
I think there for I am (Yaaaawn!) and now I think I'm a tired man. Good night Carolyn. Great Work Again. Best Wishes Always, Bill
Dufresne Avatar
January 10, 2010 at 3:34 PM
Dang! 'zis mean I gotta put on my flats again?:) It is very intriguing along with mr crane's . Thanks for your comments,Carolyn.
Richter Avatar
December 14, 2009 at 3:30 AM
this made me smile ;)
Mchugh Avatar
December 3, 2009 at 1:58 PM
Excellent piece.
Terrell Avatar
November 22, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Carolyn, Thanks for kind commenting on my poem "Little Minds at Christmas" I loved James Whitcom Riley's poems especially his way of projecting his version of a childs view. Times have changed since then but childrens views are somewhat the same. My poem "Santa's Little Worrier" was published this week in a local newspaper. Thanks so much Carolyn
Culverhouse Avatar
November 21, 2009 at 5:49 PM
very intriguing, Nice poems, enjoyed reading today!
George   Avatar
November 20, 2009 at 12:08 PM
FANTASTIC! adaptation, Carolyn. Love, Lainie
Nutter Avatar
November 19, 2009 at 9:48 AM
Women are created equal. A saying I'm sure everyone is familiar with. Woman was not created from mans head to be above him, or from his foot to be beneath him. but from his rib to be equal to him. Nice poem. A. W. Nutter www.freewebs.com/abcedit
Crisci Avatar
November 17, 2009 at 11:52 PM
Hi, Carolyn...this poem will do justice: men and women on the scale with equal balances! Women have always been considered inferior...this is machismo on the part of men. In God's presence we are all equal and your poem confirms that! Very inspiring poem and thought-provoking. It was a delightful read. God bless you and may He inspire you always. Love and hugs, Andrew.
Hickman Avatar
November 16, 2009 at 10:07 PM
you have Soup mail,,Blessings..Cecil,and Thank you for always reading and commenting on my words,,,Blessings..Cecil
Anish Avatar
November 14, 2009 at 7:02 PM
Nice take on the classic poem! Have you ever read O.Henry's poetry. He wrote a poem called "Vanity" which is quite moving. Peace & Blessings Matthew Anish
Haick Avatar
November 14, 2009 at 6:17 PM
Very good Adaptation, Carolyn! Great job! Peace and love, Audrey! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my poems. Peace and love, Audrey
Austin Avatar
November 12, 2009 at 9:16 AM
Do I detect humor? How are you old love? I hope all your social obligations are being resolved beautifully. Love, daver
Hickman Avatar
November 11, 2009 at 9:53 PM
definitely a great write my friend,written from an adaptation of a great style and then you placed your creativity and talent within,,, full of the wonders and expectations and reality the way it should be,,I wish you great luck in the contest,Blessings..Cecil
H. Avatar
November 10, 2009 at 1:07 PM
This is really really good Carolyn! Great Adaption Steven Crane's work is filled with inspiration!! Thanks for the welcome comments! ~Jen~
Gumbo Avatar
November 10, 2009 at 9:18 AM
Carolyn, this is wonderful! Exactly too . A wonderful entry, good luck! Always a pleasure to see and read you my talented friend! Once a while ago at PS, Carolyn Devonshire's poetry came across my screen and I've been hooked on her ever since. What an inspiration and what a great friend ;)
Peranteau Avatar
November 9, 2009 at 9:34 AM
This is a potent write Carolyn,......To be or not to be ?...........I'm still fantasizing on a comback for that one ! *smiles* All mine life ! Love james
Lokken Avatar
November 8, 2009 at 5:45 PM
I love this....Stephen Crane, I know his work...I love "I once saw a man pursuing the horizon, round and round they spinned; I accosted the man. "It is futile," I said. "You can never-" "You lie!" he cried, and ran on." That is my favorite. Yes, I have found a peace, and thank you for your kind words. Love, Sara:)
Dvorkis Avatar
November 8, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Marvelous interpretation Carolyn. I can't comment on the nature of sexual discrimination the universe implies, even though I imagine it would blame that notion on the fear filled human ego. I would ask the universe if I exist and see what it says. I can't prove it any more then Descartes could in his philosophies book. "I think therefore I am", to which I would say "prove it Descartes", "prove it universe","prove it God", only to find none of them can, least of all me.
Owens Avatar
November 8, 2009 at 12:25 PM
I love this poem...Made me smile....Marty
Owens Avatar
November 8, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Hi Carolyn, Thanks for your wonderful comments...I don't mind you sharing at all. Hope they all enjoy it...Marty
Curcio Avatar
November 8, 2009 at 6:47 AM
Your poem gave made me chuckle. Good luck in the contest, Carolyn
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
November 8, 2009 at 5:09 AM
Great one, Carolyn! It brings about much contemplation. If the Universe has no obligation to man and IF the Universe can not even see woman, where does that leave women in the universe? I'd say we are in God's hand and must seek His face to shine upon us. Then, our souls have a good chance to find safety and happiness. Love you. Dane
Griffiths Avatar
November 7, 2009 at 3:35 PM
Brilliant poem good luck in the contest. Pam
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