Where the Sidewalk Ends (Shel Silverstein)

When I was a little kid, my grandma gave me copies of "Where the Sidewalk Ends" and "A Light in the Attic" and "Falling Up" for Hanukkah. I'd have my mother read the poems to me before bed. Sometimes I'd have her read the same poem over and over again until she'd fall asleep with the book open in her hands. I don't know what it is about his poems that I enjoyed (and still enjoy) so much. Maybe it is the fact they are short and easy to read, and they're fun and nonsensical. Even now, childhood memories aside, I seem to gravitate to his books and try to write in his tone of voice.

"Hug O'War" by Shel Silverstein

I will not play at tug o’war.

I’d rather play at hug o’war,

Where everyone hugs

Instead of tugs,

Where everyone giggles

And rolls on the rug,

Where everyone kisses,

And everyone grins,

And everyone cuddles,

And everyone wins.

...Even when I'm upset and need to vent my frustration.

My Reply

I will never step foot in hug o’war.

I’d rather play at tug o’war,

Where everyone suffers

Instead of buffers,

Where everyone bleeds

And rolls on their lovers,

Where everyone screams,

And everyone cries,

And everyone withers,

And everyone dies.