envy eats nothing but its own heart

"In the desert"
from The Black Riders

by Stephen Crane (1871-1900)



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.”