4210 Improv 15

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

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 seen the sad streets of Angeles City.
I have listen to the un-known child save a life,
"It's written in a book somewhere."

I have followed a hand to paint the stars
that opened my thought and taught me
to stitch steel to the sunflowers petal
so that rain could gather and slide down
the stem, into roots and muscle.

The dirt, the children to play in poverty
will then stand a chance to slice bread
rather than break.