Acquainted with the Night

Robert Frost

(1874-1963)

At the risk of over-simplifying, the question one might ask of a reader of this poem is "How does this poem make you feel?"

Frost finds many compelling ways to portray a sense of isolation - the night itself, the isolating effects of rain and darkness, a call in the night that was not meant for the night wanderer, an unwillingness to engage the night watchman, and even the silent, solitary clock.

There's the physical isolation, of course, but we can also wonder if the person in the poem is alone in life. Some, maybe many of us, may experience that kind of isolation. Hopefully, not for an extended period of time. This poem might bring those moments to mind.

It is fair to wonder when reading a poem like this if the poet is writing about himself, another person, or, more generally, the human condition.

Here is a wonderful essay that helps answer that question.

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.

Here's the recited poem. (You can catch all recited poems I've captured from this year over on the Poetry Outloud page.)

Robert Lee Frost was an American poet known for his realistic portrayals of rural New England life in the early 20th century. His work explored complex social and philosophical themes through traditional verse forms and American colloquial speech. Frost attended Dartmouth and Harvard but never graduated. He worked various jobs, including farming and teaching, while trying to get his poetry published. He occupies a special place in American poetry.