Write a 250-word essay in which you explain how the author’s use of dashes and unusual capitalization contribute to your understanding of the theme of darkness in the poem.

poem:

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.