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!