Stephen Crane

I Heard Thee Laugh

I Heard Thee Laugh - meaning Summary

Loneliness Counterpointed by Laughter

The speaker responds to another’s laugh by recognizing the depth of their own suffering and solitude. Hearing merriment makes their isolation and unrequited love clear, which they personify as a trembling companion. By midnight the speaker and this inner presence are likened to two creatures gathered beside a dead campfire, suggesting endurance, cold intimacy, and the quiet companionship of pain rather than consolation from the outside world.

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I heard thee laugh, And in this merriment I defined the measure of my pain; I knew that I was alone, Alone with love, Poor shivering love, And he, little sprite, Came to watch with me, And at midnight We were like two creatures by a dead camp-fire.

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