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.