Childhood

I cannot reach it; and my striving eye

Dazzles at it, as at eternity.

Were now that chronicle alive,

Those white designs which children drive,

And the thoughts of each harmless hour,

With their content too in my power,

Quickly would I make my path even,

And by mere playing go to heaven.

 – Henry Vaughan, as cited by George MacDonald in Seaboard Parish: Volume 2