Darkness

A friend from California sent me this poem, thinking it reflected the "metaphorical and literal darkness" of my situation. Well said – I agree. Enjoy.

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--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.

Emily Dickinson