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.