Words of Wisdom from Shel Silverstein

I am a huge fan of Shel Silvertein, author of the popular children’s book The Giving Tree. I recently added one of Shel’s books, Where the Sidewalk Ends, to my daughter’s book collection. This collection of quirky and witty poems is bursting with words of wisdom for little and big kids alike.

Here are a few excerpts from Where the Sidewalk Ends along with their adult translation.

Hug O' War, Shel Silverstein

From Hug O’ War:

I will not play at tug o’ war.
I’d rather play at hug o’ war,
Where everyone hugs,
Instead of tugs…

Adult Translation: Nobody likes a meanie. Lovers are better than fighters. The world would be a better place if we all showed each other a bit more love and respect.

From My Rules:

If you want to marry me here’s what you’ll have to do:
You must learn how to make a perfect chicken-dumpling stew.
…And when it is hailing and snowing
You must shovel the walk…and be still when I talk,
And—hey—where are you going?

Adult Translation: Approximately half of all marriages end in divorce. This poem speaks volumes about the emphasis on “me, me, me.” Unless you married someone who is willing to cater to your every whim and fancy, a successful marriage is based on an equal partnership.

From Ma and God:

God gave us fingers—Ma says, “Use your fork.”
God gave us voices—Ma says, “Don’t scream.”
Ma says eat broccoli, cereal and carrots.
But God gave us tasteys for maple ice cream…

Adult Translation: Enjoy your kids—childhood is fleeting. While parents have the obligation to teach their kids manners, don’t be one of those parents that suck the fun out of everything. One of the benefits of being a parent is that it gives you an excuse to act like a big kid once in awhile.

From Band-Aids:

I have a Band-Aid on my finger…
One on my neck, and in case I might need ‘em
I have a box of thirty-five more.
But oh! I do think it’s sort of a pity
I don’t have a cut or a sore!

Adult Translation: I think people today are more obsessed with germs and disease than in previous generations. Parents are raising kids in sterile bubbles. A little cut, bruise, or dirt won’t kill you.

Other Posts You Might Like:
My First Mother’s Day as a Mom
Living with a Prankster
Staying Young at Heart