Stuff I Like #14: Shel Silverstein

   I don't remember the first time I heard a Shel Silverstein poem. It seems like I've always known them. I don't know if my parents read them to me, if I had checked one of his poetry books out of the library, or if I heard them first read by Shel himself. Regardless, I credit him for my lifelong love of poetry.
    We had a tape of poems from A Light in the Attic that we played in the car, especially on long car trips. They were read by Shel, and he had such an expressive voice! He was funny and serious, and poignant. I had a connection with his words. I had a connection with his voice. He made me laugh and he made me cry. Because of him, I most love to hear poetry read in the poet's voice.
     As an adult, I love Silverstein's poetry still. I still find that same connection. I still laugh, and I still cry. I still love the sound of his voice. I still treasure his words. There are even some poems that I have memorized inadvertently and can recite at any time.
     I truly believe that the world lost a treasure when Shel Silverstein passed away in 1999. I can't imagine how many lives he touched in the time he was writing, drawing, and singing. I can't believe that it's been 11 years that he's been gone. I only wish I had gotten a chance to know him personally. I can just imagine what kind of amazing person he must have been.