Shel Silverstein Quotes: 200 Best Lines from His Beloved Poems

This collection gathers 200 of his most loved lines, each quoted verbatim from his published books. Because his works remain under copyright, every entry is a brief, famous excerpt rather than a full poem — the lines everyone remembers, exactly as he wrote them.

Whether you need a classroom wall, a birthday card, or a reminder to listen to the mustn’ts, you’ll find it below. Learn more about the poet on Wikipedia.

Dare to Dream

1. If you are a dreamer, come in.
   If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
   A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer . . . — Shel Silverstein, Invitation, Where the Sidewalk Ends
2. If you’re a pretender, come sit by my fire
   For we have some flax-golden tales to spin.
   Come in!
   Come in! — Shel Silverstein, Invitation, Where the Sidewalk Ends
3. Draw a crazy picture,
   Write a nutty poem.
   Sing a mumble-gumble song,
   Whistle through your comb. — Shel Silverstein, Put Something In, A Light in the Attic
4. Do a loony-goony dance
   ‘Cross the kitchen floor,
   Put something silly in the world
   That ain’t been there before. — Shel Silverstein, Put Something In, A Light in the Attic
5. There is a place where the sidewalk ends
   And before the street begins, — Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where the Sidewalk Ends
6. And there the grass grows soft and white,
   And there the sun burns crimson bright, — Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where the Sidewalk Ends
7. And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
   To cool in the peppermint wind. — Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where the Sidewalk Ends
8. Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
   And the dark street winds and bends. — Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where the Sidewalk Ends
9. Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
   We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow, — Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where the Sidewalk Ends
10. And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
    To the place where the sidewalk ends. — Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where the Sidewalk Ends
11. Yes we’ll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
    And we’ll go where the chalk-white arrows go, — Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where the Sidewalk Ends
12. For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
    The place where the sidewalk ends. — Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends, Where the Sidewalk Ends
13. Last night, while I lay thinking here,
    Some Whatifs crawled inside my ear — Shel Silverstein, Whatif, A Light in the Attic
14. And pranced and partied all night long
    And sang their same old Whatif song: — Shel Silverstein, Whatif, A Light in the Attic
15. Whatif I’m dumb in school?
    Whatif they’ve closed the swimming pool? — Shel Silverstein, Whatif, A Light in the Attic
16. Whatif I get beat up?
    Whatif there’s poison in my cup? — Shel Silverstein, Whatif, A Light in the Attic
17. Whatif I start to cry?
    Whatif I get sick and die? — Shel Silverstein, Whatif, A Light in the Attic
18. Whatif I flunk that test?
    Whatif green hair grows on my chest? — Shel Silverstein, Whatif, A Light in the Attic
19. Whatif nobody likes me?
    Whatif a bolt of lightning strikes me? — Shel Silverstein, Whatif, A Light in the Attic
20. Whatif I don’t grow taller?
    Whatif my head starts getting smaller? — Shel Silverstein, Whatif, A Light in the Attic
21. Whatif the fish won’t bite?
    Whatif the wind tears up my kite? — Shel Silverstein, Whatif, A Light in the Attic
22. Whatif they start a war?
    Whatif my parents get divorced? — Shel Silverstein, Whatif, A Light in the Attic
23. Whatif I tear my pants?
    Whatif I never learn to dance? — Shel Silverstein, Whatif, A Light in the Attic
24. Everything seems swell, and then
    The nighttime Whatifs strike again! — Shel Silverstein, Whatif, A Light in the Attic
25. There’s a light on in the attic.
    Though the house is dark and shuttered,
    I can see a flickerin’ flutter,
    And I know what it’s about. — Shel Silverstein, A Light in the Attic, A Light in the Attic

Silly Days

1. “I cannot go to school today,”
   Said little Peggy Ann McKay. — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
2. “I have the measles and the mumps,
   A gash, a rash and purple bumps. — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
3. My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
   I’m going blind in my right eye. — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
4. My tonsils are as big as rocks,
   I’ve counted sixteen chicken pox — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
5. And there’s one more — that’s seventeen.
   And don’t you think my face looks green? — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
6. My leg is cut, my eyes are blue —
   It might be instamatic flu. — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
7. I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
   I’m sure that my left leg is broke — — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
8. My hip hurts when I move my chin.
   My belly button’s caving in, — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
9. My back is wrenched, my ankle’s sprained,
   My ‘pendix pains each time it rains. — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
10. My nose is cold, my toes are numb,
    I have a sliver in my thumb. — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
11. My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
    I hardly whisper when I speak. — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
12. My tongue is filling up my mouth,
    I think my hair is falling out. — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
13. My elbow’s bent, my spine ain’t straight,
    My temperature is one-o-eight. — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
14. My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
    There is a hole inside my ear. — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
15. I have a hangnail, and my heart is — what?
    What’s that? What’s that you say?
    You say today is . . . Saturday?
    G’bye, I’m going out to play!” — Shel Silverstein, Sick, Where the Sidewalk Ends
16. My dad gave me one dollar bill
    ‘Cause I’m his smartest son, — Shel Silverstein, Smart, Where the Sidewalk Ends
17. And I swapped it for two shiny quarters
    ‘Cause two is more than one! — Shel Silverstein, Smart, Where the Sidewalk Ends
18. And then I took the quarters
    And traded them to Lou
    For three dimes — I guess he don’t know
    That three is more than two! — Shel Silverstein, Smart, Where the Sidewalk Ends
19. Just then, along came old blind Bates
    And just ’cause he can’t see
    He gave me four nickels for my three dimes,
    And four is more than three! — Shel Silverstein, Smart, Where the Sidewalk Ends
20. And I took the nickels to Hiram Coombs
    Down at the seed-feed store.
    And the fool gave me five pennies for them,
    And five is more than four! — Shel Silverstein, Smart, Where the Sidewalk Ends
21. And then I went and showed my dad.
    And he got red in the cheeks
    And closed his eyes and shook his head —
    Too proud of me to speak! — Shel Silverstein, Smart, Where the Sidewalk Ends
22. One sister for sale!
    One sister for sale!
    One crying and spying young sister for sale! — Shel Silverstein, For Sale, Where the Sidewalk Ends
23. I’m really not kidding.
    So who’ll start the bidding?
    Do I hear a dollar?
    A nickel?
    A penny? — Shel Silverstein, For Sale, Where the Sidewalk Ends
24. Oh, isn’t there, isn’t there, isn’t there any
    One kid who will buy this old sister for sale,
    This crying and spying young sister for sale? — Shel Silverstein, For Sale, Where the Sidewalk Ends
25. Whosever room this is should be ashamed!
    His underwear is hanging on the lamp. — Shel Silverstein, Messy Room, A Light in the Attic

The Giving Tree

1. Once there was a tree… and she loved a little boy. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
2. And every day the boy would come, and he would gather her leaves. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
3. And make them into crowns and play king of the forest. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
4. He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
5. And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
6. And the boy loved the tree… very much. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
7. And the tree was happy. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
8. But time went by. And the boy grew older. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
9. And the tree was often alone. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
10. Come, boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches… — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
11. “I am too big to climb and play,” said the boy. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
12. “I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money.” — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
13. “I’m sorry,” said the tree, “but I have no money. I have only leaves and apples.” — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
14. “Take my apples, boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and be happy.” — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
15. And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
16. But the boy stayed away for a long time… and the tree was sad. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
17. “Come, boy, climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and be happy.” — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
18. “I am too busy to climb trees,” said the boy. “I want a house to keep me warm.” — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
19. “Cut my branches and build a house. Then you will be happy.” — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
20. And so the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
21. “I am too old and sad to play,” said the boy. “I want a boat that will take me far away.” — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
22. “Cut down my trunk and make a boat,” said the tree. “Then you can sail away… and be happy.” — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
23. And so the boy cut down her trunk and made a boat and sailed away. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
24. “I don’t need very much now,” said the boy, “just a quiet place to sit and rest.” — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree
25. “Well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, boy, sit down and rest.” And the boy did. And the tree was happy. — Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree

On Friendship & Togetherness

1. I will not play at tug o’ war.
   I’d rather play at hug o’ war, — Shel Silverstein, Hug O’ War, Where the Sidewalk Ends
2. Where everyone hugs
   Instead of tugs, — Shel Silverstein, Hug O’ War, Where the Sidewalk Ends
3. Where everyone giggles
   And rolls on the rug, — Shel Silverstein, Hug O’ War, Where the Sidewalk Ends
4. Where everyone kisses,
   And everyone grins.
   And everyone cuddles,
   And everyone wins. — Shel Silverstein, Hug O’ War, Where the Sidewalk Ends
5. She had blue skin,
   And so did he. — Shel Silverstein, Masks, Every Thing On It
6. He kept it hid
   And so did she. — Shel Silverstein, Masks, Every Thing On It
7. They searched for blue
   Their whole life through, — Shel Silverstein, Masks, Every Thing On It
8. Then passed right by—
   And never knew. — Shel Silverstein, Masks, Every Thing On It
9. Said the little boy, “Sometimes I drop my spoon.”
   Said the old man, “I do that too.” — Shel Silverstein, The Little Boy and the Old Man, A Light in the Attic
10. The little boy whispered, “I wet my pants.”
    “I do that too,” laughed the little old man. — Shel Silverstein, The Little Boy and the Old Man, A Light in the Attic
11. Said the little boy, “I often cry.”
    The old man nodded, “So do I.” — Shel Silverstein, The Little Boy and the Old Man, A Light in the Attic
12. “But worst of all,” said the boy, “it seems
    Grown-ups don’t pay attention to me.” — Shel Silverstein, The Little Boy and the Old Man, A Light in the Attic
13. And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.
    “I know what you mean,” said the little old man. — Shel Silverstein, The Little Boy and the Old Man, A Light in the Attic
14. Underneath my outside face
    There’s a face that none can see. — Shel Silverstein, Underface, Every Thing On It
15. Ricky was “L” but he’s home with the flu,
    Lizzie, our “O,” had some homework to do, — Shel Silverstein, Love, Where the Sidewalk Ends
16. Mitchell, “E” prob’ly got lost on the way.
    So I’m all of love that could make it today. — Shel Silverstein, Love, Where the Sidewalk Ends
17. Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too
    Went for a ride in a flying shoe. — Shel Silverstein, Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too, Where the Sidewalk Ends
18. “Hooray!”
    “What fun!”
    “It’s time we flew!”
    Said Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too. — Shel Silverstein, Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too, Where the Sidewalk Ends
19. Ickle was captain, and Pickle was crew
    And Tickle served coffee and mulligan stew — Shel Silverstein, Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too, Where the Sidewalk Ends
20. As higher
    And higher
    And higher they flew,
    Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too. — Shel Silverstein, Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too, Where the Sidewalk Ends
21. “Hold on!”
    “Stay in!”
    “I hope we do!”
    Cried Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me too. — Shel Silverstein, Ickle Me, Pickle Me, Tickle Me Too, Where the Sidewalk Ends
22. If we meet and I say, “Hi,”
    That’s a salutation. — Shel Silverstein, Ations, A Light in the Attic
23. If you ask me how I feel,
    That’s consideration. — Shel Silverstein, Ations, A Light in the Attic
24. If we stop and talk awhile,
    That’s a conversation. — Shel Silverstein, Ations, A Light in the Attic
25. If we understand each other,
    That’s communication. — Shel Silverstein, Ations, A Light in the Attic

Words of Wisdom

1. Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child,
   Listen to the DON’TS — Shel Silverstein, Listen to the Mustn’ts, Where the Sidewalk Ends
2. Listen to the SHOULDN’TS
   The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON’TS — Shel Silverstein, Listen to the Mustn’ts, Where the Sidewalk Ends
3. Listen to the NEVER HAVES
   Then listen close to me —
   Anything can happen, child,
   ANYTHING can be. — Shel Silverstein, Listen to the Mustn’ts, Where the Sidewalk Ends
4. There is a voice inside of you
   That whispers all day long, — Shel Silverstein, The Voice, Falling Up
5. “I feel that this is right for me,
   I know that this is wrong.” — Shel Silverstein, The Voice, Falling Up
6. No teacher, preacher, parent, friend
   Or wise man can decide
   What’s right for you — just listen to
   The voice that speaks inside. — Shel Silverstein, The Voice, Falling Up
7. How many slams in an old screen door?
   Depends how loud you shut it. — Shel Silverstein, How Many, How Much, A Light in the Attic
8. How many slices in a bread?
   Depends how thin you cut it. — Shel Silverstein, How Many, How Much, A Light in the Attic
9. How much good inside a day?
   Depends how good you live ’em. — Shel Silverstein, How Many, How Much, A Light in the Attic
10. How much love inside a friend?
    Depends how much you give ’em. — Shel Silverstein, How Many, How Much, A Light in the Attic
11. Small as a peanut.
    Big as a giant,
    We’re all the same size
    When we turn off the light. — Shel Silverstein, No Difference, Where the Sidewalk Ends
12. Rich as a sultan.
    Poor as a mite,
    We’re all worth the same
    When we turn off the light. — Shel Silverstein, No Difference, Where the Sidewalk Ends
13. Red, black or orange.
    Yellow or white,
    We all look the same
    When we turn off the light. — Shel Silverstein, No Difference, Where the Sidewalk Ends
14. So maybe the way
    To make everything right
    Is for God to just reach out
    And turn off the light! — Shel Silverstein, No Difference, Where the Sidewalk Ends
15. My skin is kind of sort of brownish
    Pinkish yellowish white. — Shel Silverstein, Colors, Where the Sidewalk Ends
16. My eyes are greyish blueish green,
    But I’m told they look orange in the night. — Shel Silverstein, Colors, Where the Sidewalk Ends
17. My hair is reddish blondish brown,
    But it’s silver when it’s wet. — Shel Silverstein, Colors, Where the Sidewalk Ends
18. And all the colors I am inside
    Have not been invented yet. — Shel Silverstein, Colors, Where the Sidewalk Ends
19. Lester was given a magic wish
    By the goblin who lives in the banyan tree, — Shel Silverstein, Lester, Where the Sidewalk Ends
20. And with his wish he wished for two more wishes —
    So now instead of just one wish, he cleverly had three. — Shel Silverstein, Lester, Where the Sidewalk Ends
21. In a world of apples and kisses and shoes
    He wasted his wishes on wishing. — Shel Silverstein, Lester, Where the Sidewalk Ends
22. Each time I see the Upside-Down Man
    Standing in the water, — Shel Silverstein, Reflection, A Light in the Attic
23. I look at him and start to laugh,
    Although I shouldn’t oughtter. — Shel Silverstein, Reflection, A Light in the Attic
24. For maybe in another world
    Another time
    Another town,
    Maybe HE is right side up
    And I am upside down. — Shel Silverstein, Reflection, A Light in the Attic
25. Somebody has to go polish the stars,
    They’re looking a little bit dull. — Shel Silverstein, Somebody Has To, A Light in the Attic

Wild & Wondrous Creatures

1. A long time ago, when the earth was green
   And there was more kinds of animals than you’ve ever seen. — Shel Silverstein, The Unicorn, Where the Sidewalk Ends
2. And they run around free while the world was bein’ born.
   And the loveliest of all was the Unicorn. — Shel Silverstein, The Unicorn, Where the Sidewalk Ends
3. There was green alligators and long-neck geese.
   There was humpy bumpy camels and chimpanzees. — Shel Silverstein, The Unicorn, Where the Sidewalk Ends
4. There was catsandratsandelephants, but sure as you’re born
   The loveliest of all was the Unicorn. — Shel Silverstein, The Unicorn, Where the Sidewalk Ends
5. But the Lord seen some sinnin’, and it caused him pain.
   He says, “Stand back, I’m gonna make it rain.” — Shel Silverstein, The Unicorn, Where the Sidewalk Ends
6. “Hey Brother Noah, I’ll tell ya whatcha do.
   Go and build me a floatin’ zoo.” — Shel Silverstein, The Unicorn, Where the Sidewalk Ends
7. “Noah, don’t you forget my Unicorn.” — Shel Silverstein, The Unicorn, Where the Sidewalk Ends
8. Ol’ Noah looked out through the drivin’ rain,
   But the Unicorns were hidin’, playin’ silly games. — Shel Silverstein, The Unicorn, Where the Sidewalk Ends
9. They were kickin’ and splashin’ in the misty morn.
   Oh them silly Unicorn. — Shel Silverstein, The Unicorn, Where the Sidewalk Ends
10. That’s why you’ve never seen a Unicorn to this day. — Shel Silverstein, The Unicorn, Where the Sidewalk Ends
11. You’ll see catsandratsandelephants, but sure as you’re born
    You’re never gonna see no Unicorn. — Shel Silverstein, The Unicorn, Where the Sidewalk Ends
12. Oh, I’m being eaten
    By a boa constrictor,
    A boa constrictor,
    A boa constrictor. — Shel Silverstein, Boa Constrictor, Where the Sidewalk Ends
13. I’m being eaten by a boa constrictor,
    And I don’t like it — one bit. — Shel Silverstein, Boa Constrictor, Where the Sidewalk Ends
14. Well, what do you know?
    It’s nibblin’ my toe.
    Oh, gee.
    It’s up to my knee. — Shel Silverstein, Boa Constrictor, Where the Sidewalk Ends
15. Oh my.
    It’s up to my thigh.
    Oh, fiddle.
    It’s up to my middle. — Shel Silverstein, Boa Constrictor, Where the Sidewalk Ends
16. Oh, heck,
    It’s up to my neck.
    Oh, dread,
    It’s upmmmmmmmmmmffffffffff. . . — Shel Silverstein, Boa Constrictor, Where the Sidewalk Ends
17. The Crocodile
    Went to the dentist
    And sat down in the chair. — Shel Silverstein, The Crocodile’s Toothache, Where the Sidewalk Ends
18. And the dentist said, “Now tell me, sir,
    Why does it hurt and where?” — Shel Silverstein, The Crocodile’s Toothache, Where the Sidewalk Ends
19. And the Crocodile said, “I’ll tell you the truth,
    I have a terrible ache in my tooth,” — Shel Silverstein, The Crocodile’s Toothache, Where the Sidewalk Ends
20. And he opened his jaws so wide, so wide,
    That the dentist, he climbed right inside, — Shel Silverstein, The Crocodile’s Toothache, Where the Sidewalk Ends
21. Then suddenly, the jaws went SNAP,
    And the dentist was gone, right off the map, — Shel Silverstein, The Crocodile’s Toothache, Where the Sidewalk Ends
22. But what’s one dentist, more or less? — Shel Silverstein, The Crocodile’s Toothache, Where the Sidewalk Ends
23. There’s a Polar Bear
    In our Frigidaire —
    He likes it ’cause it’s cold in there. — Shel Silverstein, Bear in There, A Light in the Attic
24. With his seat in the meat
    And his face in the fish
    And his big hairy paws
    In the buttery dish, — Shel Silverstein, Bear in There, A Light in the Attic
25. He’s nibbling the noodles,
    He’s munching the rice,
    He’s slurping the soda.
    He’s licking the ice. — Shel Silverstein, Bear in There, A Light in the Attic

Laugh Out Loud

1. The Homework Machine, oh the Homework Machine,
   Most perfect contraption that’s ever been seen. — Shel Silverstein, Homework Machine, A Light in the Attic
2. Just put in your homework, then drop in a dime,
   Snap on the switch, and in ten seconds’ time. — Shel Silverstein, Homework Machine, A Light in the Attic
3. Your homework comes out, quick and clean as can be.
   Here it is — “nine plus four?” and the answer is “three. — Shel Silverstein, Homework Machine, A Light in the Attic
4. Three?
   Oh me . . .
   I guess it’s not as perfect
   As I thought it would be. — Shel Silverstein, Homework Machine, A Light in the Attic
5. I’ll tell you the story of Jimmy Jet —
   And you know what I tell you is true. — Shel Silverstein, Jimmy Jet and His TV Set, Where the Sidewalk Ends
6. He loved to watch his TV set
   Almost as much as you. — Shel Silverstein, Jimmy Jet and His TV Set, Where the Sidewalk Ends
7. He watched all day, he watched all night
   Till he grew pale and lean, — Shel Silverstein, Jimmy Jet and His TV Set, Where the Sidewalk Ends
8. From “The Early Show” to “The Late Late Show”
   And all the shows between. — Shel Silverstein, Jimmy Jet and His TV Set, Where the Sidewalk Ends
9. He watched till his eyes were frozen wide.
   And his bottom grew into his chair. — Shel Silverstein, Jimmy Jet and His TV Set, Where the Sidewalk Ends
10. And his chin turned into a tuning dial.
    And antennae grew out of his hair. — Shel Silverstein, Jimmy Jet and His TV Set, Where the Sidewalk Ends
11. And his brains turned into TV tubes.
    And his face to a TV screen. — Shel Silverstein, Jimmy Jet and His TV Set, Where the Sidewalk Ends
12. And he grew a plug that looked like a tail
    So we plugged in little Jim.
    And now instead of him watching TV
    We all sit around and watch him. — Shel Silverstein, Jimmy Jet and His TV Set, Where the Sidewalk Ends
13. Captain Hook must remember
    Not to scratch his toes. — Shel Silverstein, Captain Hook, Where the Sidewalk Ends
14. Captain Hook must watch out
    And never pick his nose. — Shel Silverstein, Captain Hook, Where the Sidewalk Ends
15. Captain Hook must be gentle
    When he shakes your hand. — Shel Silverstein, Captain Hook, Where the Sidewalk Ends
16. Lots of folks I’m glad I ain’t —
    But mostly Captain Hook! — Shel Silverstein, Captain Hook, Where the Sidewalk Ends
17. I am writing these poems
    From inside a lion,
    And it’s rather dark in here. — Shel Silverstein, It’s Dark in Here, Where the Sidewalk Ends
18. So please excuse the handwriting
    Which may not be too clear. — Shel Silverstein, It’s Dark in Here, Where the Sidewalk Ends
19. But this afternoon by the lion’s cage
    I’m afraid I got too near. — Shel Silverstein, It’s Dark in Here, Where the Sidewalk Ends
20. Mrs. McTwitter the baby-sitter,
    I think she’s a little bit crazy.
    She thinks a baby-sitter’s supposed
    To sit upon the baby. — Shel Silverstein, The Sitter, A Light in the Attic
21. “A genuine anteater,”
    The pet man told my dad.
    Turned out, it was an aunt eater.
    And now my uncle’s mad! — Shel Silverstein, Anteater, A Light in the Attic
22. I’d rather play tennis than go to the dentist.
    I’d rather play soccer than go to the doctor.
    I’d rather play Hurk than go to work.
    Hurk? Hurk? What’s Hurk?
    I don’t know, but it must be better than work. — Shel Silverstein, Hurk, A Light in the Attic
23. There’s an eyeball in the gumball machine,
    Right there between the red and the green,
    Lookin’ at me as if to say,
    “You don’t need any more gum today.” — Shel Silverstein, Gumeye Ball, A Light in the Attic
24. They said come skating;
    They said it’s so nice.
    They said come skating;
    I’d done it twice.
    They said come skating;
    It sounded nice. . . .
    I wore roller —
    They meant ice. — Shel Silverstein, Come Skating, A Light in the Attic
25. What do I do?
    What do I do?
    This library book is 42
    Years overdue. — Shel Silverstein, Overdues, A Light in the Attic

Short & Sweet Shel Silverstein Quotes

1. Sandra’s seen a leprechaun,
   Eddie touched a troll,
   Laurie danced with witches once,
   Charlie found some goblins’ gold. — Shel Silverstein, Magic, Where the Sidewalk Ends
2. Donald heard a mermaid sing,
   Susy spied an elf.
   But all the magic I have known
   I’ve had to make myself. — Shel Silverstein, Magic, Where the Sidewalk Ends
3. Oh, if you’re a bird, be an early bird
   And catch the worm for your breakfast plate. — Shel Silverstein, Early Bird, Where the Sidewalk Ends
4. If you’re a bird, be an early early bird —
   But if you’re a worm, sleep late. — Shel Silverstein, Early Bird, Where the Sidewalk Ends
5. A piece of sky
   Broke off and fell
   Through the crack in the ceiling
   Right into my soup,
   KERPLOP! — Shel Silverstein, Sky Seasoning, Where the Sidewalk Ends
6. I really must state
   That I usually hate
   Lentil soup, but I ate
   Every drop! — Shel Silverstein, Sky Seasoning, Where the Sidewalk Ends
7. It’s amazing the difference
   A bit of sky can make. — Shel Silverstein, Sky Seasoning, Where the Sidewalk Ends
8. This boat that we just built is just fine —
   And don’t try to tell us it’s not.
   The sides and the back are divine —
   It’s the bottom I guess we forgot. — Shel Silverstein, Homemade Boat, Where the Sidewalk Ends
9. I must remember . . .
   Turkey on Thanksgiving,
   Pudding on Christmas,
   Eggs on Easter, — Shel Silverstein, I Must Remember, Where the Sidewalk Ends
10. But ah, me — I’m such a dunce.
    I went and ate them all at once. — Shel Silverstein, I Must Remember, Where the Sidewalk Ends
11. I opened my eyes
    And looked up at the rain,
    And it dripped in my head
    And flowed into my brain, — Shel Silverstein, Rain, Where the Sidewalk Ends
12. And all that I hear as I lie in my bed
    Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head. — Shel Silverstein, Rain, Where the Sidewalk Ends
13. I step very softly,
    I walk very slow,
    I can’t do a handstand —
    I might overflow. — Shel Silverstein, Rain, Where the Sidewalk Ends
14. So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said —
    I’m just not the same since there’s rain in my head. — Shel Silverstein, Rain, Where the Sidewalk Ends
15. Two boxes met upon the road.
    Said one unto the other,
    “If you’re a box,
    And I’m a box.
    Then you must be my brother.” — Shel Silverstein, Two Boxes, Where the Sidewalk Ends
16. Our anchor’s too big for our ship,
    So we’re sittin’ here tryin’ to think.
    If we leave it behind we’ll be lost.
    If we haul it on board, we will sink. — Shel Silverstein, Anchored, A Light in the Attic
17. If we sit and keep talkin’ about it.
    It will soon be too late for our trip.
    It sure can be rough on a sailor
    When the anchor’s too big for the ship. — Shel Silverstein, Anchored, A Light in the Attic
18. There is a spot that you can’t scratch
    Right between your shoulder blades,
    Like an egg that just won’t hatch
    Here you set and there it stays. — Shel Silverstein, Unscratchable Itch, A Light in the Attic
19. Worse than a sunbeam you can’t catch
    Is that one spot that
    You can’t scratch. — Shel Silverstein, Unscratchable Itch, A Light in the Attic
20. Everything King Midas touched
    Turned to gold, the lucky fellow.
    Every single thing I touch
    Turns to raspberry Jell-O. — Shel Silverstein, Squishy Touch, A Light in the Attic
21. I took a dive into the sea (glush) —
    Would you like to shake hands with me (sklush)? — Shel Silverstein, Squishy Touch, A Light in the Attic
22. There is a face upon my thumb —
    I did not paint it there —
    With pointy ears and winky eyes
    And greenish bristly hair. — Shel Silverstein, Thumb Face, A Light in the Attic
23. Oh I’m Dirty Dan, the world’s dirtiest man,
    I never have taken a shower. — Shel Silverstein, The Dirtiest Man in the World, Where the Sidewalk Ends
24. I can’t see my shirt — it’s so covered with dirt.
    And my ears have enough to grow flowers. — Shel Silverstein, The Dirtiest Man in the World, Where the Sidewalk Ends
25. But the water is either a little too hot.
    Or else it’s a little too cold. — Shel Silverstein, The Dirtiest Man in the World, Where the Sidewalk Ends

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shel Silverstein’s most famous poem?

“Invitation” — the opening poem of Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974) — is his most quoted: “If you are a dreamer, come in.” Other beloved favorites include “Hug O’ War,” “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” “Sick,” and “The Giving Tree.”

What books did Shel Silverstein write?

His most famous books are The Giving Tree (1964), Where the Sidewalk Ends (1974), A Light in the Attic (1981), Falling Up (1996), A Giraffe and a Half (1964), and The Missing Piece (1976). He also wrote songs, including Johnny Cash’s hit “A Boy Named Sue.”

Are Shel Silverstein’s poems only for children?

Not at all. While written for young readers, his poems are loved by all ages for their wit, wordplay, and quiet wisdom — lines like “Listen to the mustn’ts, child” resonate just as strongly with grown-ups.

Why are the quotes on this page so short?

Shel Silverstein’s works are still under copyright, so this collection shares brief, famous excerpts rather than full poems. Every line is quoted verbatim from his published books.

Editor’s Picks

More Quotes to Explore

• Winnie the Pooh quotes
• Dr. Seuss quotes
• Mark Twain quotes
• Thoreau quotes on nature
• Jane Austen quotes
• life quotes
• funny quotes
• friendship quotes
• love quotes
• nature quotes
• wisdom quotes
• Theodore Roosevelt quotes
• Charles Dickens quotes
• birthday quotes for myself