Poems for the Soul: Shel Silverstein Edition

This post was originally published in 2020.

Shel Silverstein is one of our most beloved poets, writing such works such as “Where the Side Walk Ends” and “A Light in the Attic.” He also provided cartoons that often accompanied his works. The following poems by Shel Silverstein have been selected and performed by staff members from Red Bank Public Library and friends!

“Hug of War,” “The Voice,” “The Poet Tree,” “Masks,” and “ATIONS” by Shel Silverstein read By Sira Williams 

Hug O' War

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It doesn’t matter if I’m teaching this to adults during a workshop, or ordering two framed copies for my sons bedrooms: . The words of this poem, despite age and time, are truth at the core of our human existence. . “The Voice” has been a silent mantra of mine ever since my divorce in 2012. That part of my life was so confusing and heart wrenching. The decision to repair or separate was mine. My parents claimed to know the answer and they used words of preachers to reinforce their opinions. My friends were a split batch - some in support of staying, a few in support of leaving, but most were reluctant to give an opinion. They just wanted whatever was best for me. Some wise teachers offered guidance but their vague words only left me wondering why I didn’t have a better vocabulary. . I tried to make the divorce decision with logic - the way I had lived my life up until that point. It didn’t work. Then I went to feelings. I found a roadblock when my father said to me, “feelings are just feelings and they don’t mean anything.” I was finally starting to let emotions become a part of my world and was immediately told that it was a waste of my time. Dad 🤦🏼‍♀️. . My friend Jen - someone who practices mindfulness, reason, and calm - told me to sit and listen. She said sometimes feelings ARE just feelings. And that sometimes logic IS just logic. But the little voice inside of us - our INTUITION - is where our wants, desires, and answers reside. . So I sat. I walked in the woods. I stared at the ocean. I quit seeking the advice of others. The chatter faded. And I listened. . It’s been six years since my divorce. . Shel Silverstein was right: Now that I’ve allowed my inner-knowing the freedom of speech, she “whispers all day long.” . . . . . #intuition #trustyourintuition #innervoice #shelsilverstein

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MASKS . . . . @shelsilversteinpoems #shesilverstein #shelsilversteinpoems #love #masks #blue #skin #life #looking #hiding #search #true #real

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“Trampoline” by Shel Silverstein, read By Natalya Andrex