ACQUAINTED WITH THE NIGHT

I have been one acquainted with the night
I have walked out in the rain - and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.
I have looked down the saddest city lane
I have passed 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 goodbye -
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.

©Robert Frost