Emily Dickenson’s words on night

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.

These might be words of encouragement from Emily Dickenson for those “staying awake” or “keeping alert” during the season of Advent. She speaks some crazy fundamental truths—we grow accustomed to the dark: it’s amazing what we can get used to. Sometimes that is good; sometimes not so good.  But I think she speaks of being brave in the face of what is deepest night; How you can adjust, learn to see, and walk on.