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 goodbye;
and further still at an unearthly height,
a luminary clock against the sky

proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
i have been one acquainted with the night.