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,
A luminary clock against the sky
Proclaimed the time was neither
wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the
night.