20 Times Children's Poet Shel Silverstein Basically Explained Life

Sheldon Allan Silverstein, better known as Shel Silverstein, was an American poet, singer, songwriter, cartoonist, screenwriter and author of children's books. I mean, talk about a multi-faceted guy, am I right? However, it shouldn't be that much of a shock that he could do all these things because all of these facets have one thing in common: They tell a sacred story.

Shel Silverstein is best-known for his collection of children's writings, with Where the Sidewalk Ends, a collection of poetry, and The Giving Tree, being the most famous. 

His works warm our hearts with life and moral lessons. And his words take us on a visual journey of every aspect of what it means to be a human — at all ages and stages. We're able to identify with the characters he so wittingly describes; his descriptions not only tend to rhyme, but the alliteration becomes a rhythmic tune that we can't help but sing along to.

The greatest lesson Shel Silverstein taught us is that although our bodies may physically age, our souls will always be like a child who yearns to be heard and nurtured.

The (sometimes dark) lessons are always masked behind loud and bright images that speak to all ages. Whether you are 5 or 35, his work will give you a new perspective, every time.

Check out these 20 quotes from Where the Sidewalk Ends and other Shel Silverstein works, and let them remind you of a simpler time with simple pleasures.

If you're searching for the best quotes and memes to share with the people you love (or just want to feel inspired yourself) ... look no further! From the sweetest love quotes, inspirational sayings, and hilarious friendship truths, we've got you covered.

How much good inside a day?

Depends how good you live ‘em. - A Light in the Attic

Just 'cause somethin' ain't been done don't mean it can't be did. - Shel Silverstein 

How much love inside a friend?

Depends how much you give ‘em. - A Light in the Attic

What you've got to say, you say. - Shel Silverstein

There is a voice inside of you

That whispers all day long,

‘I feel this is right for me,

I know that this is wrong.’

No teacher, preacher, parent, friend

Or wise man can decide

What’s right for you — just listen to

The voice that speaks inside. - Falling Up

Everyone has a weakness, but I have two; everything you say and everything you do. - Shel Silverstein

It’s amazing the difference

A bit of sky can make. - Where the Sidewalk Ends

Each time I see the Upside-Down man standing in the water, I look at him and start to laugh, although I shouldn't oughtter. For maybe in another world, another time, another town, maybe he is right side up and I am upside down. - Shel Silverstein

There are no happy endings.

Endings are the saddest part, 

So just give me a happy middle

And a very happy start. - Every Thing On It

You'd better get your laugh while you're making your point, or you won't be doing it very long. - Shel Silverstein

All The Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas

Layin’ In The Sun,

Talkin’ ‘Bout The Things

They Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda Done  - Falling Up

If the track is tough and the hill is rough, thinking you just ain't enough. - Shel Silverstein

But all the magic I have known I've had to make myself. - Where the Sidewalk Ends

Do a loony-goony dance across the kitchen floor, put something silly in the world that ain't been there before.  - A Light in the Attic

I’ll take the dream I had last night

And put it in my freezer,

So someday long and far away

When I’m an old grey geezer,

I’ll take it out and thaw it out,

This lovely dream I’ve frozen,

And boil it up and sit me down

A dip my old cold toes in. - A Light in the Attic

She had blue skin,

And so did he.

He kept it hid

And so did she.

They searched for blue

Their whole life through,

Then passed right by-

And never knew. - Every Thing On It

He wasted his wishes on wishing. - Where the Sidewalk Ends

Tell me I’m perfect—

But tell me the TRUTH. - Falling Up

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. - Every Thing On It

And all the colors I am inside have not been invented yet.  - Where the Sidewalk Ends

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