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
A luminary clock against the sky
Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right
I have been one acquainted with the night