The Meaning of Night

The Meaning of Night


In Acquainted with the Night, the poem below, we walk with the author, Robert Frost, through darkness.

We see how his imagination colours and shapes the sights and sounds of the night.

We witness how, at night, his hopes and fears surface lending unusual meaning to everyday objects and noises.

And whenever we find ourselves taking a late evening walk, and immersing ourselves in its ink-black stillness, we too transform our landscape through our thoughts and feelings, we too become Acquainted with the Night.


Alberico Collina

Acquainted with the Night By Robert Frost

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.