We Grow Accustomed to the Dark
We Grow Accustomed to the Dark - meaning Summary
Adapting to Emotional Darkness
Dickinson’s poem describes how people learn to live with loss, uncertainty, and inner darkness. Using the shift from literal light to night as a metaphor, it charts an initial period of tentative, awkward movement followed by gradual adaptation. The speaker observes that even the brave stumble, yet through experience perception changes: either the darkness itself seems different or the eye adjusts. The final image is of life resuming a steadier path. The tone is calm and observant, framing resilience as a quiet, inward accommodation rather than triumphant conquest.
Read Complete AnalysesWe 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.
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