Acquainted With the Night by Robert Frost →

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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.

Thoughts about this Poem

“Acquainted with the Night” has the tone of loneliness achieved not just by what the meanings of the words suggest but by the rhythm of the words. The imagery of his descriptions extends even to the suggested sounds that convey the feeling of disappointment, isolation, and rejection.

In Frost’s essay, “Education by Poetry,” he explained: “Poetry begins in trivial metaphors, pretty metaphors, ‘grace’ metaphors, and goes on to the most profound thinking we have.

Poetry provides the one acceptable way of saying one thing and meaning another. Unless you are at home in the metaphor, unless you have had your proper poetical education in the metaphor, you are not safe anywhere.”