Long, long ago I heard a little song, <br />(Ah, was it long ago, or yesterday?) <br />So lowly, slowly wound the tune along, <br />That far into my heart it found the way: <br />A melody consoling and endearing; <br />And still, in silent hours, I'm often hearing <br />The small, sweet song that does not die away. <br /> <br />Long, long ago I saw a little flower,-- <br />(Ah, was it long ago, or yesterday?) <br />So fair of face and fragrant for an hour, <br />That something dear to me it seemed to say: <br />A thought of joy that blossomed into being <br />Without a word; and now I'm often seeing <br />The friendly flower that does not fade away. <br /> <br />Long, long ago we had a little child,-- <br />(Ah, was it long ago, or yesterday?) <br />Into his mother's eyes and mine he smiled <br />Unconscious love; warm in our arms he lay. <br />An angel called! Dear heart, we could not hold him; <br />Yet secretly your arms and mine infold him-- <br />Our little child who does not go away. <br /> <br />Long, long ago? Ah, memory, make it clear-- <br />(It was not long ago, but yesterday,) <br />So little and so helpless and so dear <br />Let not the song be lost, the flower decay! <br />His voice, his waking eyes, his gentle sleeping: <br />The smallest things are safest in thy keeping. <br />Sweet memory, keep our child with us always.<br /><br />Henry Van Dyke<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/dulcis-memoria/
