ACQUAINTED WITH THE NIGHT
by
RAINER M. RILKE
I have been one
Acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain,
And back in rain.
I have outwalked
The furthest city lights.
I have walked past
The watchman in his beat
And dropped my eyes,
Unwilling to explain.
I have stood still
And stopped the sound of feet
As far away
An interrupted cry,
Called out thru the night,
But not to call me back, or say goodnight.
And further,
Still,
One luminary clock against the sky
Proclaimed the time was neither wrong, nor right.
I have been one,
Acquainted with the night.
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