We Grow Accustomed to the Dark

by Emily Dickinson

　　

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The punctuation Emily Dickinson used in this poem leaves us pausing to consider each word. We Grow Accustomed to the Dark offers a rich study of how a description of the day's end can be a metaphor for our struggles against uncertainty. It's often studied by high school students.

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　　We grow accustomed to the Dark --

　　When light is put away --

　　As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp

　　To witness her Goodbye --

　　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 -- Darkness --

　　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.

　　

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We Grow Accustomed to the Dark was featured as TheShort Story of the Day on Thu, Dec 10, 2020

　　

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Featured in our selection of Poetry for Students.

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