Googly-Goo

By Eugene Field

    Of mornings, bright and early,     When the lark is on the wing     And the robin in the maple     Hops from her nest to sing,     From yonder cheery chamber     Cometh a mellow coo -     'T is the sweet, persuasive treble     Of my little Googly-Goo!     The sunbeams hear his music,     And they seek his little bed,     And they dance their prettiest dances     Round his golden curly head:     Schottisches, galops, minuets,     Gavottes and waltzes, too,     Dance they unto the music     Of my googling Googly-Goo.     My heart - my heart it leapeth     To hear that treble tone;     What music like thy music,     My darling and mine own!     And patiently - yes, cheerfully     I toil the long day through -     My labor seemeth lightened     By the song of Googly-Goo!     I may not see his antics,     Nor kiss his dimpled cheek:     I may not smooth the tresses     The sunbeams love to seek;     It mattereth not - the echo     Of his sweet, persuasive coo     Recurreth to remind me     Of my little Googly-Goo.     And when I come at evening,     I stand without the door     And patiently I listen     For that dear sound once more;     And oftentimes I wonder,     "Oh, God! what should I do     If any ill should happen     To my little Googly-Goo!"     Then in affright I call him -     I hear his gleeful shouts!     Begone, ye dread forebodings -     Begone, ye killing doubts!     For, with my arms about him,     My heart warms through and through     With the oogling and the googling     Of my little Googly-Goo!

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Poem Details

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

Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a tender exploration of parental affection and worry, demonstrating the profound impact a child can have on an adult's world. The central theme is the joy and comfort the speaker derives from their child, referred to as "Googly-Goo," whose presence seems to brighten the morning and lighten the burden of daily work. The child's voice, described as a "sweet, persuasive treble," serves as a recurring motif, symbolizing innocence, joy, and the soothing power of familial love.

The poem's structure is traditional, with consistently rhythmic verses and a clear rhyme scheme, which enhances the comforting and familiar tone of the narrative. The use of onomatopoeia in "oogling" and "googling," while playful, also adds depth to the speaker's portrayal of their child's engaging charm. The speaker's fears of losing their child, expressed in the penultimate stanza, bring a darker undertone to the poem, revealing the depth of parental anxiety. However, these fears are quickly dispelled by the child's gleeful shouts, reinforcing the poem's overall tone of love and reassurance. The image of the sunbeams dancing around the child's head is a particularly effective use of personification, creating a vivid picture of the child as the center of the speaker's universe. Overall, the poem is a heartfelt celebration of the joys and anxieties of parenthood, wrapped in the comforting rhythm and structure of traditional verse.

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.