My Kingdom by Robert Louis Stevenson

Name: My Kingdom
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem explores the imaginative world of a child who perceives a small, natural setting as a vast kingdom. The child finds joy in a secluded dell by a water well, surrounded by blooming heather and gorse. In this miniature realm, the child creates a sense of grandeur, referring to a small pool as a sea and the hills as mountains, embodying the innocence and creativity of youth. The child constructs a boat and a town, exploring the surroundings and naming every feature, claiming dominion over the landscape. The presence of small creatures, like sparrows and minnows, adds to the sense of wonder and ownership. The child feels like a king, with nature responding to their presence, as bees sing and swallows fly. However, the enchantment is interrupted by the call of the mother, signaling the end of playtime. As the child returns home, the contrast between the imagined kingdom and the reality of the adult world becomes apparent. The nurse appears larger, and the home feels more imposing, highlighting the transition from the carefree world of childhood to the structured environment of adulthood. The poem captures the fleeting nature of childhood imagination and the inevitable return to reality.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy · 276 words

First lines

Down by a shining water well I found a very little dell, No higher than my head.

The heather and the gorse about In summer bloom were coming out, Some yellow and some red.

I called the little pool a sea; The little hills were big to me; For I am very small.

I made a boat, I made a town, I searched the caverns up and down, And named them one and all.

What this Textopian page supports

My Kingdom is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1895 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1895 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Fantasy, Nature Writing, Coming-of-Age
Length: 276 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Children's Literature — The themes of imagination, play, and a child's perspective make it suitable for a young audience.
Fantasy — The portrayal of a child's imaginative kingdom and the whimsical elements suggest a fantasy genre.
Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the natural surroundings indicate a focus on nature.