Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on his childhood experiences in the fields, where he felt a deep sense of connection to God and the earth. He recalls specific moments when he felt the presence of God, such as finding a "bird's nest in the corn" and seeing "a hawk overhead in the sun." However, as the speaker grew older and became more consumed with the responsibilities and distractions of daily life, he gradually lost this sense of connection.
The line "you lost them yesterday" serves as a turning point in the poem, marking the speaker's realization that he has lost something of great value. He sees that he has strayed from the path that once led him closer to God and the natural world. The poem then takes on a more urgent and reflective tone, as the speaker expresses his longing to regain the connection that he has lost.
In the context of the poem, "you lost them yesterday" can be interpreted in a number of ways. It could refer to the speaker's loss of innocence and childlike wonder, or to his increasing separation from the natural world due to modern society's demands. Ultimately, it represents the loss of a deep spiritual connection that the speaker is determined to find again.
Overall, the line "you lost them yesterday" encapsulates the speaker's sense of regret and yearning, setting the stage for the rest of the poem, which explores the themes of redemption and the search for meaning in the face of loss.