Childhood Memories

Study Notes

The Speaker's Childhood Memories

The speaker recalls the house where they were born and the little window where the sun shone in at morning.
The speaker fondly remembers the sun's arrival, stating it never came too early or stayed too long.
The speaker now wishes the night had taken their breath away, implying a sense of longing or regret.

Childhood Surrounded by Nature

The speaker recalls the roses, both red and white, as well as the violets and lily-cups, which they describe as "made of light".
The lilac tree where the robin built its nest and the laburnum tree, which the speaker's brother planted on his birthday, are still alive.

Carefree Days of Childhood

The speaker remembers the swing where they used to play, thinking the air must have felt fresh to the swallows flying by.
The speaker's spirit was free and light, like the swallows, but is now weighed down by the burdens of life.
Summer pools were not enough to cool the speaker's feverish brow, suggesting a sense of passion and energy.

Lost Innocence

The speaker remembers the fir trees, which they thought were close to the sky, but now recognizes this as a childish misconception.
The speaker is now aware that they are farther away from heaven than they were as a child, implying a sense of disillusionment or loss of innocence.

Description

A poem about a person reminiscing about their childhood home and the happy memories associated with it. The speaker recalls specific details like the sunlight, flowers, and trees, and expresses a sense of longing for those carefree days.