As an affirmation of the allegation that Robert Frost was fearful of being alone in the dark written about in the post titled Historical Trivia – Robert Frost, there is another poem that exemplifies his fascination with the night.

The Poem

Acquainted with the Night was first released in 1928 in the Virginia Quarterly Review, approximately 8 years after his experience at Weelahka Hall. Experts read this poem as an admission of having experienced depression and loneliness, and his resultant feelings. Experts have a tendency to complicate things. Perhaps he had sleepless night and the poem is simply a reflection of what Frost experienced while walking the street at night. What say you?

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.