In Ulysses, Stephen Dedalus teaches at a school, and sits in front of the children, contemplating one in particular. This is in the second section, the “Nestor” episode
Like him was I, sloping shoulders, this gracelessness. My childhood bends beside me. Too far for me to lay a hand there once or lightly. Mine is far and his secret as our eyes. Secrets, silent, stony sit in the dark palaces of both our hearts: secrets weary of their tyranny: tyrants willing to be dethroned.
I know that feeling. My childhood bending beside me, but too far for me to touch.
