Homage to Shel Silverstein

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On May 10, 1999, Shel Silverstein was found dead in his home (read the New York Times obituary). We have lost an incredible poet. He is most well known for works such as The Giving Tree and his books of children's poetry. But did you know that it was Silverstein who wrote that Johnny Cash favorite, "A Boy Named Sue" ? Often, being labeled as a "children's artist" carries with it an implication of irrelevance. Shel Silverstien's poetry was anything but irrelevent. Not only did his poetry take the world which children experience very seriously (thus affirming their their fears and joys as valid and worthwhile), but his influence in turning kids on to poetry (in this day and age of enslavement to television a true feat!) cannot and should not be taken lightly. When designing this site, I knew I wanted to include the following poem. Now, with Silverstein's death, it becomes an homage to his influence not only in my life, but in the lives of all who have experienced Silverstein. ATIONS If we meet and I say, "Hi," That's a salutation. If you ask me how I feel, That's consideration. If we stop and talk awhile, That's a conversation. If we understand each other, That's communication. If we argue, scream, and fight, That's an altercation. If later we apologize, That's reconciliation. If we help each other home, That's cooperation. And all these ations added up Make civilization. (And if I say this is a wonderful poem, Is that exaggeration?) --(Shel Silverstein, A Light in the Attic) Services/Resume/Professional History/FAQ/Links/Home/Copyright 1999-2006/Contact Me Last updated: 13 May 1999