Haddam Neck

I often think, when time permits,

     Of the dear old country place,

And see again the well-loved haunts,

     Which time cannot efface.

The school-house, church and scattered farms

     Are plainly sketched in mem’ry’s book;

And come to cheer life’s shady stream

     Long flowed beyond youth’s sunny brook.

I wonder, too, if schoolmates old

     Whom fortune has driven afar,

Look back like me to see those days

     Of joy that naught could mar.

Our wordly knowledge was small indeed;

     Little we knew of human schemes,

As gayly we tripped through wood and mead,

     And dreamed our innocent dreams.

The faithful teacher oft joined in

     Our merry recess play;

Which drew the scholars’ hearts more close,

     And brighter made the day.

Dec. 6, 1890

Pub. in Ct.

Valley Ad.

  Note – Sent to H.M. Selden, Haddam Neck, Ct., he sending it to advertiser.