Shel Silverstein

Megan from Yorkton writes:

Shel Silverstein is my hero because he was a great poem writer. My favorite poem is "Help" in his book Falling Up. He wrote happy poems, sad poems, funny poems, poems that tell about people and things, and poems about misfits. I think anyone would like his poems. Shel was born in Chicago, Illinois, September 25, 1930. He died in Key West, Florida, May 10, 1999. He began writing in 1952. Shel was also a great role model. He showed you can write anything you want and you can do anything, because, along with writing poetry, he also served in the U.S. military forces during the the 50's and wrote songs.

Dustin Hoffman and Shel Silverstein

His heroic action took place in books around the world. It also took place in people's hearts. If you're feeling sad, read one of his poems and you'll be happy. If you're looking for a laugh, read his poems. His effect on me is he encouraged me to keep writing poems even if it seems like a romantic or geek thing. I hope he has the same effect on you too. Shel Silverstein was a great person. He was funny, honest and especially creative. Someday I hope I can write poems just as good as Shel. HE IS MY HERO.

Irene from South Portland, Maine, writes:

Shel Silverstein is my hero because he wrote poems, just like me. I think his poems are really good. I also like Shel Silverstein because he was an artist. I love to draw and to write poems. I have almost all of his books. I want to be like him when I grow up. I think I want to be apoet or an artist.

John from Gloceter, Rhode Island, writes:

My hero is: Shel Silverstein. If he never started writing poetry, I would never like poetry.

Ashley from Nebraska, USA, writes:

My hero is Shel Silverstein because he brings fun to poetry and helps describe what poetry really is. He puts life into it. He makes poetry fun to read and write.

Corinne from Liberty Township writes:

Shel Silverstein is my hero. If you don't know who he is, you can learn more about him on this Web page. He writes poems for children, but they are enjoyed by everyone. His poems are different than most poets, like Robert Frost. He doesn't use fancy words like 'twas and 'tis. He makes it possible for children to actually read his poems. He died May 10, 1999.

Somebody Has To

Somebody has to go polish the stars,
They're looking a little bit dull.
Somebody has to go polish the stars,
For the eagles and starlings and gulls
Have all been complaining they're tarnished and worn,
They say they want new ones we cannot afford.
So please get your rags
And your polishing jars,
Somebody has to go polish the stars.

David Mamet's hero

Silverstein did not just write children's books; he wrote songs, liner notes and plays. In an October, 2001, New York Times article, playwright David Mamet remembered that Shel Silverstein was a "demigod" who was also a great friend. They would call each other up to trade jokes, and Silverstein would always help out when Mamet needed a new joke or plot for a play he was working on. Although Silverstein did not seek out society, he would always accept visitors gracefully, patiently signing book after book, making the letters of his name into animal drawings.
"We all felt that being with him was an unexampled privilege. In short, I suppose he was my hero," wrote Mamet.