Poetry Analysis

I have been one acquainted with the night.I have been one acquainted with the night

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.

I have become familiar with the night. I have walked in the rain and returned in the rain. I have walked beyond the farthest city light.

I have looked down the most sorrowful city street. I have passed the watchman on his patrol And lowered my gaze, not wanting to explain.

I have stood still and silenced the sound of footsteps When far away, a broken cry Came from another street over the houses.

But it was not to summon me back or say farewell; And even higher, at a strange height, One bright clock against the sky

Declared that the time was neither wrong nor right. I have become familiar with the night.