Shel Silverstein Poem Analysis 13

Whatif

By Shel Silverstein

The “Whatif” poem is the very image of the human nature which cannot stop from wondering about the infinite things that might happen. Man has always asked himself millions of questions and that is why it has somehow evolved. But what makes this poem truly amazing is the way questions are seen as small creatures that come inside one’s ear and party all night long.

The poet’s mind is flooded by all kinds of questions but this does certainly not stop him from amusement which makes the attitude to be a positive one. The questions are sometimes hilarious and sometimes serious and all this alternation points out once again how moody and complex and difficult to understand we, people, are.

And after such an endless stream of questions one might expect that things will come to end yet, in an unexpected way we are told that just when things seem to be well, “the nighttime Whatifs strike again!”

I find the poem entertaining and full of wisdom at the same time. That is why I believe it should be read by everyone who wants to be reminded that human nature is complex and in a constant search for answers.

Shel Silverstein Poem Analysis 12

Where the Sidewalk Ends

By Shel Silverstein

The entire poem can be seen as the presentation of the passage from life towards death. The sidewalk represents the happiness, the joy and plenitude of life whereas the street may mark the very end. Life is a miracle itself and has to be cherished with all its fabulous things.

The chalk-white arrows are the guidelines that we follow in life, although “we shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow” to that exact place where, unfortunately the sidewalk ends.

Despite the fact that the poem is talking about our journey through life which will sooner or later end up in death, the poet’s tone is a rather peaceful one as this is how things go and we can only learn how to best benefit from them and lead a happy, full life.

I recommend this well-known poem to everyone as it reminds us all what a great thing life is and how much beauty there is in the world.

Shel Silverstein Poem Analysis 11

The Unicorn

By Shel Silverstein

When reading the poem for the first time I felt like reading pages from the Bible but in rhyming verses. It tells us why unicorns are no longer to be found among the animals we all know today: crocodiles, geese, chimpanzees, camels, “catsandratsandelephants”. It is a very sad story but with a moral.

The poet’s tone is sad but using the words “oh them silly Unicorn” it is obvious that he blames them for their own disappearance. Not listening to warnings and behaving irresponsibly and childish can have dramatic consequences.

I do recommend this poem to children and not only as it is really important to listen carefully when you are warned about something and always take things seriously.

Shel Silverstein Poem Analysis 10

The Meehoo with an Exactlywatt

By Shel Silverstein

At a first sight, the poem might seem confusing but as we try to discover its deeper meaning, we notice the intricate yet common choice of words and phrases. It looks like an ordinary conversation between two close friends wanting to have fun, but it goes on in the most unexpected and interesting way.

The poet is clearly stating his intention to entertain his readers; he’s witted and amusing and keeps on building up his “joke”.

In the end we suddenly realize that the dialogue goes on in the very same way it started, just like a circle: “Knock knock! (…)

                                         Knock knock...”

The playful and witted tone of the poem makes it recommends itself to those who do “taste” and appreciate a remarkable sample of smart humor.  

Shel Silverstein Poem Analysis 9

The Loser

By Shel Silverstein

Although the title is not a very nice one, the poem is a very deep one, despite the simplicity of its lines and its words. It can be read as a warning to what might happen if you do not listen to your mama. Losing your head, for example, will trigger the loss of your ears and mouth and brains and you might find yourself in a terrible situation.

But the solution that the poet offers for such incidents is both hilarious and wise at the same time. Whenever you find yourself in such a situation, there is nothing better to be done but “sit down …and rest for just a minute...”

The attitude is positive and optimistic as it encourages you stop for a minute and figure out a solution instead of worrying and becoming desperate.

I strongly recommend the poem to all those people who panic easily and think that sometimes there is no way out to a problem. But probably once they read this meaningful poem they’ll understand how good it is to take your time and think things through.

Shel Silverstein Poem Analysis 8

The Boa Constrictor Song

By Shel Silverstein

 “The Boa Constrictor” poem or better said song is extremely surprising. It may not sound like a song/poem for children as it depicts a rather scary scene: a man being eaten alive by a snake. To some kids, especially those who are really afraid of snakes, it may not seem attractive or amusing at all, but things are said in such an unexpected and hilarious way that you can no longer feel scared.

The scene is growing step by step, the man being eaten first up to his toe, then up to his knee, then up to his middle, his chest, his neck until he gets completely “swallered”. The attitude is quite an optimistic one as, despite the unfortunate incident, the poet is presenting everything in an entertaining, funny light.

The ending of the poem is what truly makes it funny as it simply shows the boa constrictor snake burping after such a delicious and satisfying meal.

Everyone should try and read this poem as it is something different from any poem for children I have read. The nicest thing about it is that it leaves it to the reader to actually interpret its meaning, allowing endless ways of interpretation and encourages us to see the bright and funny side of even such unhappy stories.

Shel Silverstein Poem Analysis 7

Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too

By Shel Silverstein

The very first moment you read the poem it floods you with its funny and easy rhyming. But although it is at first perceived as a “story” for children, its lines hide a deeper message: everything is possible, as long as you are willing to give it a try.

The three lively characters somehow make you envy them for their great adventure and the feeling of joy and excitement floods the entire poem (“Hooray!", "What fun!"). The whole depiction is vivid and literally loud.

Despite this joy and happiness we are told in the end that Ickle Me, Pickle Me and Tickle Me went up so high in their flying shoe that nobody knows where they are now and what has happened to them.

The entire poem is to be seen as an encouragement to let your imagination free and allow yourself to always try out new experiences, no matter how they may end. I strongly recommend this poem to all the people who need to be reminded that life has to be filled with excitement, joy and constant adventures.