Acquainted with the Night
Robert Frost, 1928
Robert Frost's sonnet in terza rima of a man who has walked alone through a city at night, past the watchman and an unearthly clock.
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 beatAnd dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.
I have stood still and stopped the sound of feetWhen far away an interrupted cryCame 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.