After yesterday’s post concerning masks, my friend Gary reminded me of a new book of poems, including one titled Masks, from the incredible imagination of the late Shel Silverstein. I’ve written about him before here, once about his classic The Giving Tree and another time reprinting his poem Smart for Father’s Day. His new book is Every Thing On it and is comprised of never before published poems and drawings from the acclaimed poet and songwriter who died in 1999. I suspect it would make a great and thoughtful Christmas gift for children of all ages. I know I’m making a gift of it to myself. Also, take a gander at his website, ShelSilverstein.com. It has tremendous animations and is a beautiful site, with an emphasis on his work for children.
Really good stuff.
Here’s Masks from his new book.
“Masks” is wonderful, and I’m glad to know of the new book. A friend’s little girl is getting an extra Christmas present.
Just one thought re: this and your previous post – sometimes, “masks” can be good. I remember so vividly an experience from my own life. I don’t remember whether I was in college or high school, but I do remember having to enter a room filled with strangers in order to do something. I was scared to death, and as I stood in the doorway looking at the room, I decided the only way to cope was to pretend to be Sophia Loren, playing my role.
It worked, too.
Sophia Loren? As a man, I can only say, “Wow!” But your point is well made. I think we all assume masks in many ways. Maybe not as consciously as your Sophia Loren moment. I have sometimes considered myself a chameleon, masking myself to fit into each situation and most often not showing myself completely.
Why not Sophia Loren? I thought she was great, I was maybe 19 or 20 and if you’re going to pretend, you might as well go for it!
No, it wasn’t that you chose Sophia Loren. It’s just that the mere mention of Sophia Loren elicits a wow. Wow.
Thanks. Shel was enormously talented. I love his artworks and the songs he wrote for Bobby Bare – humorous and hard headed. Regards Thom.
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