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.
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.
