We grow accustomed to the Dark — Uncle Tom's Cabin

We grow accustomed to the Dark－¹
When light is put away－
As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp
To witness her Goodbye－

A Moment－We uncertain step ⁵
For newness of the night－
Then－fit our Vision to the Dark－
And meet the Road－erect－

And so of larger－Darkness－⁹
Those Evenings of the Brain－
When not a Moon disclose a sign－
Or Star－come out－within－

The Bravest－grope a little－¹³
And sometimes hit a Tree
Directly in the Forehead－
But as they learn to see－

Either the Darkness alters－¹⁷
Or something in the sight
Adjusts itself to Midnight－
And Life steps almost straight.

(F.428/J.419)

[1] We, Dark:: black slaves.
[2] light, away:: without justice, freedom, and hope.
[3] As:: similar to. Neighbor:: Uncle Tom. Eliza visited Tom before her escape.
[4] her Goodbye:: Eliza's escape.
[6] newness, night:: night of freedom.
[8] erect:: to walk with dignity.
[10] Evenings of the Brain:: people with declining mind.
[17] the Darkness:: the slavery system.
[19] itself to Midnight:: the slavery to the end.
[20] Life, straight:: life to the dawn.