Masks

10/25/23 Writer’s Lab Invocation Poet, Shel Silverstein

Masks

By Shel Silverstein

She had blue skin,

And so did he.

He kept it hid

And so did she.

They searched for blue

Their whole life through.

Then passed right by–

And never knew.

Shel Silverstein

“If there is a book you want to read but isn’t written yet, write it.”

Shel Silverstein, a multifaceted artist hailing from Chicago, was a singer-songwriter, cartoonist, award-winning children's writer, screenwriter, and actor. He began his career as a cartoonist, contributing to publications like Playboy and Stars & Stripes, later becoming renowned for his beloved children's books, including "The Giving Tree," "Where the Sidewalk Ends," "A Light in the Attic," and "Falling Up." His works, known for their dark humor and whimsical characters, appeal to both young and adult audiences. As a songwriter, Silverstein penned hits like "A Boy Named Sue" for Johnny Cash and "The Cover of the Rolling Stone" for Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show. He also collaborated with David Mamet and Elaine May on various creative projects.