Shel Silverstein
Adeel Allawala 6th pd.
Personal life
- Born 9/25/1930
- Died 5/10/1999
- Went to Chicago Academy of Fine Arts & Roosevelt University
- Was a Singer
- Served in Military
Recognitions
- Grammy(s)
- Oscar Nominee
- Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame
Poems
Listen to the Musn'ts
Listen to the MUSTN'TS, child,
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WONT'S
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me-
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WONT'S
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me-
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be
Poetic Devices
Theme- do what you want (if its right) because you can do anything, even if someone discourages you saying its impossible
Rhyme
Listen to the Musn'ts
Snowball
lI made myself a snowball
As perfect as could be.
I thought I’d keep it as a pet
And let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas
And a pillow for its head.
Then last night it ran away,
But first—it wet the bed.
As perfect as could be.
I thought I’d keep it as a pet
And let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas
And a pillow for its head.
Then last night it ran away,
But first—it wet the bed.
Poetic Devices-
Personification- He says that the Snowball Ran away when it actually melted.
Rhyme
Underface
Underneath my outside face
There’s a face that none can see.
A little less smiley,
A little less sure,
But a whole lot more like me.
There’s a face that none can see.
A little less smiley,
A little less sure,
But a whole lot more like me.
Poetic Devices-
Theme- It is not specifically to show your "outside" face, but to acknowledge it.
Rhyme
Diving Board
You’ve been up on that diving board
Making sure that it’s nice and straight.
You’ve made sure that it’s not too slick.
You’ve made sure it can stand the weight.
You’ve made sure that the spring is tight.
You’ve made sure that the cloth won’t slip.
You’ve made sure that it bounces right,
And that your toes can get a grip—
And you’ve been up there since half past five
Doin’ everything… but DIVE.
Making sure that it’s nice and straight.
You’ve made sure that it’s not too slick.
You’ve made sure it can stand the weight.
You’ve made sure that the spring is tight.
You’ve made sure that the cloth won’t slip.
You’ve made sure that it bounces right,
And that your toes can get a grip—
And you’ve been up there since half past five
Doin’ everything… but DIVE.
Poetic Devices-
Theme- When on a Diving Board......Jump! In other words don't be scared to do something new.
Rhyme
Scale
If I could only see the scale,
I’m sure that it would state
That I’ve lost ounces… maybe pounds
Or even tons of weight.
“You’d better eat some pancakes—
You’re skinny as a rail.”
I’m sure that’s what the scale would say…
If I could see the scale.
I’m sure that it would state
That I’ve lost ounces… maybe pounds
Or even tons of weight.
“You’d better eat some pancakes—
You’re skinny as a rail.”
I’m sure that’s what the scale would say…
If I could see the scale.
Poetic Devices-
Personification- "I’m sure that it would state
That I’ve lost ounces....."Rhyme
Why I Like His Poems
When i was a little kid, reading his poems was very entertaining , and still is to this day. he has written MANY great books, poetry books, and in his early days, even songs. He makes great children poems that are very lighthearted and fun ( and don't forget the rhyme).