Learning to Walk in the Dark
book study group opening
October 5th 2015

Joan Grey

This is the first time I have read anything from Barbara Brown Taylor.  This book is easy to read.

I think one of her points is that the analogy of dark and light is giving the night a bad reputation because it is being used by some to describe evil, the devil, etc

It is an interesting story line about her part time job working in a Jazz Club in Atlanta and how she describes all the life that goes on there after dark.  Her statement on page 53, I found interesting, "All these years later, I like to think that I learned as much about human nature waiting tables at Dante's as I did writing papers for my seminary professors."

Another statement she makes in the book on page 55 seems quite important.  It reads "Though my intrigue with physical darkness preceded the dread of metaphysical darkness I picked up in church, I am not insensible to the dangers of darkness."  On page 70 she sites an interesting book by Jane Brox that says a study showed lighting up the city better after dark did not reduce the crime at night.

Taylor states that we have light up our world substantially with artificial light, illuminating our otherwise natural night time.  I have to admit that when walking at night, especially at Christmas time, it is so comforting and pleasing to see the light from peoples windows and the lovely Christmas lights that decorate and illuminate the otherwise dark night.

I found a poem about night time.  It is by Robert Frost who seems to have a likeness for the night.

Acquainted with the Night

BY ROBERT FROST

I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rainand 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
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,

But not to call me back or say good-bye;
And further still at an unearthly height,
One luminary clock against the sky

Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.