Acquainted with the Night...

[fajrdrako]

trialia reminded me that this is National Poetry month in both the US and Canada. Despite the fact that I don't actually approve of assigning items like this to months, it's an excuse to reread some of my favourite poetry, and possibly find new favourites. I am guiltily reminded that I told janne_d that I planned to post a poem every Friday, and haven't done it. Yet.

Let's start with Robert Frost: American, 1874-1963:

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.

Comments

[janne-d.livejournal.com]

Very nice. I just love the title phrase - it's so brilliant. This is one of a couple of poems I know by Robert Frost and I've always meant to read more. He does interesting moods, it seems.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I find that there are two kinds of poems by Frost. There are the ones like this, that make me think, "Yes!" and the ones I read and think, "Huh? What was that about?" Not much in between. Both categories are interesting.

[janne-d.livejournal.com]

Hmm. Sometimes I like the 'huh?' kind of poems, but sometimes they irritate me!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I like the 'huh?' kind of poems, but sometimes they irritate me!

Uh-huh. I think it all depends on the individual poem, and its style.

[laceymcbain.livejournal.com]

This is one of those poems that seems to simple, and yet, it's really very beautifully complex and layered. Lovely choice.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Yes; I've always loved the different tone and levels you can read it at. And the sense of place. Glad you enjoyed seeing it again.

[duncanmac.livejournal.com]

Very pretty indeed.

I am away tomorrow and through the weekend. But I'd like to catch up with you sometime next week ... if only for another walk along Bank Street. :-)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Should be possible! At least, if my back is better.

[idiotgrrl.livejournal.com]

1974-1963? He lived backwards and for only 9 years? (Yeah. I do know what you're talking about. Still, it gave me the giggles.)

Now to go back and read the poem more carefully.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

...Living backwards, like Merln? Oops.

[walkingowl.livejournal.com]

...As with most things that I read as a younger person, I recognized this only with the third line... and I'll add it to my list, as I have decided to start memorizing poetry again. Used to spend my "study hall" time in high school doing that. Quite a challenge, actually, for someone whose memory is good but not in any way verbal/articulate. Or visual. Or -- form-based!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

My last attempt to memorize a poem was despressing. I should try again. This one - as with many I memorized when young - comes easily.

[filkferengi]

I first heard this read by Ron Perlman on _Beauty & The Beast_. That *voice*! He turned lots & lots of women on to poetry [among other things ;)].

See for yourself:

Beauty & The Beast--Of Love & Hope 02 Acquainted With the Night.mp3

http://www.sendspace.com/file/lsgnn9

I can always upload the rest of the album, if you'd like.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

That's wonderful. Yes, I'd love to hear the rest.

[filkferengi]

Here you go:

Beauty & The Beast--Of Love & Hope.zip

http://www.sendspace.com/file/ivphr4

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Thank you!