Washington Allston

Boyhood

AH, then how sweetly closed those crowded days!
The minutes parting one by one like rays,
    That fade upon a summer's eve. 
But O, what charm or magic numbers
Can give me back the gentle slumbers
    Those weary, happy days did leave? 
When by my bed I saw my mother kneel,
    And with her blessing took her nightly kiss; 
    Whatever Time destroys, he cannot this;-- 
E'en now that nameless kiss I feel.