New quarter. New words.

Acquainted with the Night

Robert Frost

(1874-1963)

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 sounds 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.

There is so much truth that is lying beneath the poem, in its ambiguity. The vague-ness of the poem allows the reader to interpret the night and it symbolism for that person specifically. I found that the night is exactly what it is, a lifetime of darkness- a depression if you will. "I have been one acquainted with the night" is strong in the repetitive factor and with the fact that everyone can relate to a time where they have been found in accordance with darkness. In the line, I have passed by the watchmen on his beat...", that reminds me of a story that the AP language class had to read relating to a watchmen . The watchmen was constantly hovering over making sure that the person could feel his gaze. The watchmen was merely the fears, struggles, and other feelings that kept us bottled up from our dreams. When I read that line I automatically thought of that story especially because it adds to the darkness that is encompassed within that certain imagery.

Overall, I really liked this poem! It was a good start to the 2nd quarter!