By Robert Frost
I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain—and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.
I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.
I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,
But not to call me back or say good-bye;
And further still at an unearthly height,
One luminary clock against the sky
Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.
This reminds me of all of the writers we hear about that imposed walking as a ritual for thought- and Frost, one of the most famous (walking upon two roads!). Simple, observatory...brief but descriptive enough.
ReplyDeleteThe narrator seems acquainted with shady business too. Is he just observing or is he also compliant?
ReplyDelete