Wishes

Oh would that I were very far away
Among the lanes, with hedges all around,
Happily Listening to the dreamy sound
Of distant sheep-bells, smelling the new hay
And all the wild flowers scattered in my way:
Or would that I were lying on some mound
"Where shade and butterflies and thyme abound,
Beneath the trees, upon a sunny day:
Or would I strolled beside the mighty sea --
The sea before, and the tall cliffs behind:
While winds from the warm south might tell to me
How health and joy for all men are designed: --
But, be I where I may, would I had thee.
And heard thy gentle voice, my Mother kind.