Famous Children Poem

Children, teenagers, and adults as well, can all identify with the message of this poem for children from Shel Silverstein published in his book, "Every Thing On It." Sometimes we all feel like no one really truly knows us, as if we are wearing a mask and our true self is hidden from all underneath our face.

Featured Shared Story

What a perfect poem! At times we could basically tell how people were feeling despite their facial expressions. It was in their eyes the tell- tale signs that led us to see at least the...

Read complete story

Share your story! (4)

Famous Poem

Underface

By Shel Silverstein more Shel Silverstein

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

more Shel Silverstein

Stories 4
Shares 3541
Favorited 31
Votes 889
Rating 4.28

Read More Famous Children Poems

Has this poem touched you? Share your story!

by Max G
1 month ago

Perfectly written.
How a smile is a perfect mask for an unhappy soul and a happy face a disguise for a broken heart cause it's easier lot more easier to say it's fine than to explain why it's not.

by Virginia N. Pritts
2 years ago

What a perfect poem! At times we could basically tell how people were feeling despite their facial expressions. It was in their eyes the tell- tale signs that led us to see at least the happy, sad or mad emotions. This poem is fitting for today's trials and tribulations we seem to face every day. While most people double masked it brings about extra caution, barriers, division, picking of sides and more. Their underneath faces strained full of questions, concerning Coronavirus, Racial Indifference, Civil Unrest to possible War. Oh the children, I wish I could see their under-faces, and if they were a little less smiley and a little less sure, I would try to reassure them. Tell them it will be all right, to smile, be happy, that they're safe and secure, then pray for the children to be resilient if nothing more.

by Tyrel L. Hansen
5 years ago

I have always been what others want me to be. I'm sick of it, but I cannot escape it.

by Al T
4 years ago

The expectations others place on us are a structure. They can be confining like a prison or uplifting like a scaffold - sometimes both. You can rebel against 'em, using them as a springboard for a different life. But it is nigh impossible to escape their influence altogether - and to do so might mean severing bonds. But there is hope, friend. Figure out what you want. Tell a confidant. Now their expectations can work for you, help hold you accountable for prioritizing your own dreams.