Stephen Maria Crane

There was one I met upon the road

There was one I met upon the road Who looked at me with kind eyes. He said, "Show me of your wares. " And this I did, Holding forth one. He said, "It is a sin. " Then held I forth another; He said, "It is a sin. " Then held I forth another; He said, "It is a sin. " And so to the end; Always he said, "It is a sin. " And, finally, I cried out, "But I have none other. " Then did he look at me With kinder eyes. "Poor soul!" he said.