Amy Margarets Five Year Old

By William Allingham

Amy Margaret's five years old, Amy Margaret's hair is gold, Dearer twenty-thousand-fold Than gold, is Amy Margaret. "Amy" is friend, is "Margaret" The pearl for crown or carkanet? Or peeping daisy, summer's pet? Which are you, Amy Margaret? A friend, a daisy, and a pearl, A kindly, simple, precious girl, Such, howsoe'er the world may twirl, Be ever, Amy Margaret!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This charming poem is a tender exploration of a child's innocence and the endearing qualities that make her uniquely precious. The central theme revolves around the character of Amy Margaret, who the poet perceives as a treasure worth more than gold. The poet utilizes a repetitive structure, consistently using her name, "Amy Margaret", to create a rhythmic flow that evokes a sense of affectionate familiarity.

The poem's tone is affectionate and playful, using metaphorical comparisons to further illustrate Amy Margaret's value. In the second stanza, the poet questions whether "Margaret" is a pearl or a daisy, symbolizing purity, innocence, and beauty. This reveals an appreciation for the child's inherent worth beyond physical attributes. The final stanza portrays her as a "friend, a daisy, and a pearl," emphasizing her multifaceted nature and the joy she brings as a "kindly, simple, precious girl."

The poem's structure, which consistently returns to Amy Margaret's name, and its repeated comparisons, creates a sense of cyclical continuity that reflects the enduring and unchanging nature of a child's innocence. Overall, the poem serves as a loving tribute to the character's youthful purity and the inherent value of children in general.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.


Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.