I knew the spot upon the hill
Where checkerberries could be found,
I knew the rushes near the mill
Where pickerel lay that weighed a pound!
I knew the wood—the very tree
Where lived the poaching, saucy crow,
And all the woods and crows knew me—
But that was very long ago.
And pining for the joys of youth,
I tread the old familiar spot
Only to learn this solemn truth:
I have forgotten, am forgot.
Yet here’s this youngster at my knee
Knows all the things I used to know;
To think I once was wise as he!—
But that was very long ago.
I know it’s folly to complain
Of whatsoe’er the fates decree,
Yet, were not wishes all in vain,
I tell you what my wish should be:
I’d wish to be a boy again,
Back with the friends I used to know.
For I was, oh, so happy then—
But that was very long ago!
IN THE FIRELIGHT
THE fire upon the hearth is low,
And there is stillness everywhere,
And, like wing’d spirits, here and there
The firelight shadows fluttering go.
And as the shadows round me creep,
A childish treble breaks the gloom,
And softly from a further room
Comes: “Now I lay me down to sleep.”
And, somehow, with that little pray’r
And that sweet treble in my ears,
My thought goes back to distant years,
And lingers with a dear one there;
And as I hear my child’s amen,
My mother’s faith comes back to me—
Crouched at her side I seem to be,
And mother holds my hands again.
Oh, for an hour in that dear place—
Oh, for the peace of that dear time—
Oh, for that childish trust sublime—
Oh, for a glimpse of mother’s face!
Yet, as the shadows round me creep,
I do not seem to be alone—
Sweet magic of that treble tone
And “Now I lay me down to sleep!”
COBBLER AND STORK
Cobbler.
Stork, I am justly wroth,
For thou hast wronged me sore;
The ash roof-tree that shelters thee
Shall shelter thee no more!