With the Night by Archibald Lampman

It's about letting go of the day's anxieties and regrets by immersing oneself in the night sky. The speaker acknowledges their doubts and fears, then tells them to go — because the realm of stars and darkness doesn't have room for such distractions.

It's an ancient concept of the human body, rooted in biblical language (Genesis talks about humans being made from dust or clay). This idea highlights the fragility and temporariness of our bodies, making the emotional pain expressed in the first stanza feel tangible and real.

Lampman is intentionally turning the word 'dawn' — which we usually link to morning light — on its head and using it to describe nightfall. He’s presenting the onset of night as a unique form of awakening or a new beginning, rather than merely the day’s conclusion. This creates one of the most vivid images in the poem.

The poem consists of two quatrains with an ABAB rhyme scheme. The lines alternate in length, creating a rhythm that feels somewhat like a hymn. This structured form reflects the emotional journey of the poem, as everything comes together neatly by the end.

The speaker directly engages with their negative emotions — doubts, fears, regrets, and tears. This approach, known as apostrophe, allows for the externalization of inner feelings so they can be faced and let go. By referring to them as 'ye,' the speaker treats these emotions like uninvited guests that can simply be shown the door.

The key themes include nature as a source of relief, the contrast between daily life's burdens and the freedom found in the natural world, and the notion that looking outward — toward something bigger than yourself — can help calm the inner turmoil. Additionally, there's a sense of mortality woven into the imagery of the 'house of clay.'

The paradox is the point. "Glittering" evokes images of light and life, while "darker" implies depth and tranquility. Together, they embody the essence of a star-filled night sky: vibrant and radiant, yet quietly expansive in a way that starkly contrasts with the brightness of day. This combination makes the night feel like a welcoming presence instead of merely the absence of light.

Almost certainly in spirit, if not in specific detail. Lampman held a civil service job that he found unfulfilling and faced health challenges throughout his brief life. He often turned to writing about nature as a way to escape the drudgery of everyday life. The emotional fatigue in the first stanza captures the feeling of someone who has endured a long, exhausting day and is truly grateful to see it come to a close.