I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain—and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.
I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.
I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
A city contains many people that usually fill the streets during the day and bring life to the city. However, when the narrator looks down the street he sees no one. This, to the narrator, is the “saddest city lane,” as he is alone and feeling isolated in a place that would not normally be devoid of life. It may be also incites feelings of sadness in the narrator as there is nobody in the city who is looking for him or wants to keep him company. However, since the narrator goes on walks at night there is less likelihood that he would socialize with someone, again indicating that the narrator chooses to put distance between himself and others. 

Acquainted with the Night