This can relate to adults and how they should be more like children who are free-spirited and full of optimism. With little stress and effortless fun, children are happy as can be. Most of the time, children are free of worries and all they do is focus on enjoying themselves. Shel Silverstein also says “For the children, they mark, and the children, they know the place where the sidewalk ends.” This line explains to us how the children know where this place is. This poem is very inspiring as it explains to the reader that outside of all the hard times, there are good times. From my understanding, Silverstein is describing a moment in time that is dark and dreary. In his poem he states “Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black and the dark street winds and bends”. I think the message the author is trying to convey in his poem is that we need to leave behind our past and move forward into the future. Also, the audience in which this poem is targeted at is almost all ages, allowing anyone to read this poem for relief and/or hope. Depending on the person reading the poem, or the mood they are in, I think it can lead your imagination to run endlessly. It can be interpreted in multiple ways which makes this poem unique and enjoyable to read. This short, yet affective poem captured my attention growing up but also currently in my teen years. I enjoy this poem because of the message Shel Silverstein successfully sends to his readers using his perceptive words. This poem is a representation of optimism which is one of the many reasons I selected this specific piece. Many of us dream of better days to come and are hopeful in finding a brighter future, which allows for many readers to relate, such as myself. Shel Silverstein’s poems remind me of growing up to his insightful words. However, when asked to research a poem, memories of my childhood were triggered. Shel Silverstein’s book of poetry sits on my bookshelf, gathering dust as many other forgotten books surround it. Growing up, I was read poems quite often by my mother. “Where the Sidewalk Ends” is one of the many acclaimed poems written by this author.

The Poem I chose to write about is written by an award-winning poet, Shel Silverstein.

The place where the sidewalk ends