Thomas Hood (1799-1845) was born in London, the son of a bookseller. His childhood was complicated by the death of his father in 1811 which forced him to leave school and take a position as a clerk; before becoming interested in engraving under the influence of his uncle. He became interested in writing from an early age, and following a brief stint as a professional engraver began to write for the London Magazine in 1821. This association was short lived though, but the seed had been sown for his career as a professional writer which would also see him as an early champion for Copyright reform.

Thomas Hood
(1799-1845)

I Remember, I Remember

I remember, I remember, 
The house where I was born, 
The little window where the sun 
Came peeping in at morn; 
He never came a wink too soon, 
Nor brought too long a day, 
But now, I often wish the night 
Had borne my breath away! 

I remember, I remember, 
The roses, red and white, 
The vi'lets, and the lily-cups, 
Those flowers made of light! 
The lilacs where the robin built, 
And where my brother set 
The laburnum on his birthday,-- 
The tree is living yet! 

I remember, I remember, 
Where I was used to swing, 
And thought the air must rush as fresh 
To swallows on the wing; 
My spirit flew in feathers then, 
That is so heavy now, 
And summer pools could hardly cool 
The fever on my brow! 

I remember, I remember, 
The fir trees dark and high; 
I used to think their slender tops 
Were close against the sky: 
It was a childish ignorance, 
But now 'tis little joy 
To know I'm farther off from heav'n 
Than when I was a boy.  

Thomas Hood

peeping in at morn: asomándose al amanecer
vi'lets = violets (violetas)
laburnum: laburno (variedad de árbol)
swallows: golondrinas
fir trees: abetos (pinos de Navidad)
childish: infantil
'tis = this
heav'n = heaven

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