[RCL]

Nice one Julie! It reminded me of this oldie from Ghost Trees, a riposte to Frost's "Acquainted with the Night."


Night Light

This is a poem saying Life is good.
Although I am acquainted with the night,
it isn’t wailing grief or slinging mud.
This is a poem saying Life is good,
a song of peace and joy, not painful plight.
And yes—the darkest poems embrace the light.
This is a poem saying Life is good,
although I am acquainted with the night.


I then recalled this pastiche from My Miscellaneous Muse.


Acquainted with the Light

I have been one acquainted with the light.
I have walked out in sun—and back in sun.
I have outwalked the darkest city night.

I have looked down the sunniest city lane.
I have passed utopians, dreamy and sweet,
And raised my eyes to see no one in pain.

I have strutted, jumped and danced on echoing feet
When on my sunlit path a constant cry
Rose from dark caves beneath the city street

That meant for me to pause and praise the sky;
And closer still there was a hopeful sight:
Proud chanticleer, his ruby comb held high,

Proclaimed in song this day would bring delight.
I have been one acquainted with the light.


(I have an ever-growing suspicion that Frost's original is a parody of the overly indulgent ego in poems.)