A Paradox

When but a little boy, it seemed
My dearest rapture ran
In fancy ever, when I dreamed
I was a man – a man!

Now – sad perversity! – My theme
Of rarest, purest joy
Is when, in fancy blest, I dream
I am a little boy.
-Riley

From Your Mother and My Mother, by F. D. Van Amburgh, 1927 (First Printing). I believe this is the oldest book I own, but I’m not sure how it came into my possession, but it smells good!