Shel Silverstein's style of poetry was inspired by him.
I hope you are familiar with Shel.His poetry collection, Where the Sidewalk ends, was a big part of my childhood.I got my first copy when I was young.The pages were tattered and stained when I read them.I bought another volume when it was lost, and have continued to re-read it over the years.I am not as messy now, which has made it stay in better shape.
I was struck by the irreverence in this collection of poems.Everything Shel wrote was a little twisted and tongue-in-cheek.The poems and illustrations covered everything from trying to fit in when you feel left out to not taking the garbage out.The themes of the poems are still relevant to me no matter my age.There are times when we just don't feel like taking the garbage out, and we all feel that way.Some of you still pick your nose.It's awful.
Shel was not mean in his writings.He understood loneliness, being different, the struggle to understand love, and the importance of friendship.The Giving Tree is a great book for any age.The story is easy to understand.There is a friendship between a boy and a tree.Please read one of these books if you haven't already.You will not regret it.Even though it isn't as popular as the two I've mentioned, it's probably one of the funniest.The ABZ book is a primer for adults.It is not for kids, but it is about kids.It is a good one.Parents may enjoy it more than they thought.
Shel was also a writer.Some of the hits he wrote will surprise you.Johnny Cash's hit, "A Boy named Sue", was written by Shel.He wrote a few songs for Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show.He had songs recorded by a number of people.He was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe in the Best Song categories.
Shel was like a crazy uncle who always made me laugh, but at the same time had something to teach me.He taught me to not be afraid to be different, to play with words and ideas.I was amazed that he could write a simple poem, maybe only two short words, that would make me cry.He could make me laugh on the next page.Emotions are something that touches everyone and he knew how to tap them.He taught me how to embrace being a little weird.I felt a kinship with him.
Writing is simple.I think that sums him up well.Shel used an economy of words, simple themes and ideas, and always stuck with the human condition.He understood the connection between children and adults, how many of us don't ever get away from those feelings we had as children.You know what I mean?Those feelings of being different, or an outsider, our irrational thoughts and emotions, the urge to be silly or just be lazy for a while.Being human is what it is about.Nothing more, nothing less.
Shel passed away in 1999 at the age of sixty-eight.I think he could have given us more insight and humor.He can rest easy knowing that his creative output continues to entertain people and make them think.What more can an artist ask for?