Long ago

I once knew all the birds that came
 And nested in our orchard trees;
For every flower I had a name--
 My friends were woodchucks, toads, and bees;
I knew where thrived in yonder glen
 What plants would soothe a stone-bruised toe--
Oh, I was very learned then;
 But that was very long ago!

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!