We Grow Accustomed to the Dark

We grow accustomed to the Dark – 

When light is put away – 

As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp

To witness her Goodbye – 

A Moment – We uncertain step

For newness of the night – 

Then – fit our Vision to the Dark – 

And meet the Road – erect – 

And so of larger – Darknesses – 

Those Evenings of the Brain –             

When not a Moon disclose a sign – 

Or Star – come out – within – 

The Bravest – grope a little – 

And sometimes hit a Tree

Directly in the Forehead – 

But as they learn to see –     

Either the Darkness alters – 

Or something in the sight

Adjusts itself to Midnight – 

And Life steps almost straight.