13 Most Popular Poems by Shel Silverstein

    11 - 13 of 13

  • Paul Bunyan

    Famous Poem

    in Famous Narrative Poems

    This version of the poem is from Shel Silverstein's book of poems for children, "Where the Sidewalk Ends" published in 1974.
    A slightly different version of "Paul" is sung by Bobby Bare in his 1973 album, "Lullabys, Legends and Lies".
    He begins with an introduction, "You know, American folklore is filled with legendary characters like... Billy The Kid, Johnny Appleseed, Pecos Bill... and probably the greatest one of all has got to be Paul Bunyan, 'cause he was the meanest and the biggest and dirtiest, tobacco chewin'est, and the funkiest and the best woodchopper of all of 'em".
    Paul Bunyan is a lumberjack of huge size and strength in American folk tales. Usually included in these Tall Tales is his companion, Babe the Blue Ox, a giant creature of extraordinary strength.

    He rode through the woods on a big blue ox,
    He had fists as hard as choppin' blocks,
    Five hundred pounds and nine feet tall...that's Paul.

    More...

    Go To Complete Poem

    • Stories 2
    • Shares 3847
    • Favorited 14
    • Votes 491
    • Rating 4.11
    • Poem of the Day
    Featured Shared Story

    This poem is easily identifiable as a classic, and it contains facts and emotions we all share throughout life at some time or other. Great reading and a great share. Well worth real...

    Read complete story

    Touched by the poem? Share your story! (2)

  • Won't You?

    Famous Poem

    in Famous Children Poems

    A Funny Valentine's day Poem for Kids By Shel Silverstein. Have you ever wished for a girl but she's already taken, or even worse, she's not taken but she hates you? Well, a message from this poem is, take comfort you're not the only one.

    Barbara's eyes are blue as azure,
    But she is in love with Freddy.
    Karen's sweet, but Harry has her.
    Gentle Jane is going steady.

    More...

    Go To Complete Poem

    • Stories 0
    • Shares 729
    • Favorited 4
    • Votes 255
    • Rating 3.77
    • Poem of the Day
  • The Oak And The Rose

    Famous Poem

    in Famous Children Poems

    In "The Oak and the Rose" by Shel Silverstein, the poet uses personification to portray the conversation between an oak tree and a rosebush. The oak tree and rosebush initially engage in casual conversations about the elements of nature. However, as the oak tree grows taller and starts experiencing grander things like eagles, mountain peaks, and the sky, the rosebush becomes resentful and accuses the oak tree of thinking highly of itself. The rosebush expresses frustration that the oak tree no longer engages in "flower talk" now that it has grown so tall. In response, the oak tree explains that it hasn't grown so much but that the rosebush has remained small in comparison. The poem's concise and playful language highlights the contrasting perspectives of the oak tree and the rosebush, showcasing themes of growth, perspective, and self-importance.

    An oak tree and a rosebush grew,
    Young and green together,
    Talking the talk of growing things-
    Wind and water and weather.

    More...

    Go To Complete Poem

    • Stories 0
    • Shares 121
    • Favorited 0
    • Votes 13
    • Rating 3.31

11 - 13 of 13

Back to Top