I once knew all the birds that came <br /> And nested in our orchard trees; <br />For every flower I had a name-- <br /> My friends were woodchucks, toads, and bees; <br />I knew where thrived in yonder glen <br /> What plants would soothe a stone-bruised toe-- <br />Oh, I was very learned then; <br /> But that was very long ago! <br /> <br />I knew the spot upon the hill <br /> Where checkerberries could be found, <br />I knew the rushes near the mill <br /> Where pickerel lay that weighed a pound! <br />I knew the wood,--the very tree <br /> Where lived the poaching, saucy crow, <br />And all the woods and crows knew me-- <br /> But that was very long ago. <br /> <br />And pining for the joys of youth, <br /> I tread the old familiar spot <br />Only to learn this solemn truth: <br /> I have forgotten, am forgot. <br />Yet here's this youngster at my knee <br /> Knows all the things I used to know; <br />To think I once was wise as he-- <br /> But that was very long ago. <br /> <br />I know it's folly to complain <br /> Of whatsoe'er the Fates decree; <br />Yet were not wishes all in vain, <br /> I tell you what my wish should be: <br />I'd wish to be a boy again, <br /> Back with the friends I used to know; <br />For I was, oh! so happy then-- <br /> But that was very long ago!<br /><br />Eugene Field<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/long-ago/
