Childhood Memories

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.