Grow Accustomed to the Dark

Newness of the Night,©2013. Ink and oil pastel, collage.

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 Good bye –

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

BY EMILY DICKINSON