Happy Monday! I’m not sure if I’ve shared this poem on here. When I was six-years-old, in grade one, my teacher used to read us Shell Silverstein poems in class. I had the same teacher, Mrs. Allarie, for grades one, two, and three, so I was able to here a few books worth of Shell Silverstein’s poems.
Many of Silverstein’s poems are written for children, but many of them also have great meaning and allusion to (for) adults.
Here’s an interesting interpretation of the poem “Where the Side Walk Ends” on Wikipedia.
Also, here’s some background info on Shell Silverstein if you’ve never heard of him before today.
Credit: Sue Zeng via Unsplash
Where the Sidewalk Ends – Shell Silverstein
There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.
*****
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.
*****
Yes we’ll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we’ll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.
*****
©Mandibelle16. (2018) All Rights Reserved.
Go Dog Go Café 
Such a lovely share!
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You’re welcome. I’m happy you liked it 🙂
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Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
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Thank you 🙂
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Aww Amanda. I love Shell Silverstein to bits. I have read and collected most of this books. I always loved reading his works and as you have correctly said the poems applies to both kids and adults. He has been a major influence in my poetry.
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Reblogged this on Megha's World and commented:
Come read the works of one of my fav poets whose poems are loved by kids and adults equally.
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Thank you for the share Meghan. I’m glad you love his poetry too
I was so sad when he passed a few years ago!
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Always loved Shel Silverstein , thanks for sharking this poem and bringing back memories.
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You’re welcoming 🙂
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I love Shell Silverstein. We have 3 books of his poetry! 😊
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Nice 🙂
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Shel Silverstein is great. My wife is a librarian and she reads his stuff to kids all the time. You are doing a good thing by keeping his voice alive.
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Thanks Kenny. So is your wife! I’m glad to hear kids still hear his poems 🙂
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The Giving Tree remains an essential book in my library… as it has been since I was probably 6, too. I think it was in second grade when our class intern began reading his poetry to us. Probably a defining influence on me. His poetry is not just for children, but wisdom for us all. Thank you for sharing this… along with the background! Perhaps… maybe… a new regular feature… wink wink nudge nudge…. 🙂
Stephen
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Interesting thought Stephen. I will think about and see if time permits. I love sharing poetry and this was quick to put together 🙂
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Also, I much remember the Giving Tree as well. Thanks for reading 🙂
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Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
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Thanks Steven 🙂
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