LONG AGO.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 42, 17 October 1891, Page 489

LONG AGO.

I ONCE knew all the birds that came And nestled in our orchard trees, For every Hower 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, 1 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, uni 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 would 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.

Eugene Field.