Shel Silverstein
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If The Word Ended Tomorrow
Have you ever watched those shows on TV about the end of the world? Unfortunately, I have. I’ve been subjected to them on a number of occasions because my husband has a rather disturbing love affair going on with the History Channel. He normally flips to it when he finds I’m not paying enough attention to my surroundings to whine until it’s changed. It’s only when those “Nostradamus Predicts” or “Volcanoes Tell About World’s End” shows come on my attention is usually pulled away from whatever I’m doing.
I think when they send out casting calls for narrators for these types of programs they read something like, “Wanted: Person with outstandingly ominous and/or morbid voice to narrate shows that relate to death and destruction of world populous. Must have ability to capture attention, terrify and confuse.”
It never fails. Everytime I watch these things I have several small strokes, one right after the other, until I manage to rationalize myself into normal thought. This is after I imagine myself doing something as trivial as grocery shopping when the world ends. Wouldn’t it just be awful? You’re buying a loaf of bread and then hey, poof goes existence. I’d like to think I’ll be somewhere helping to end world hunger rather then getting what I need to make myself a sandwich when, or if, it happens.
I consider myself to be a fairly decent person. But, I’m not perfect. I’ve done less then desirable things in my life. And some of these things I’ve done more then once. But honestly, I’ve tried. I have made a good decision once or twice. But, I’m always left wondering if it’s enough.
If we all put a physical weight to good and bad, tossed each on a scale in relation to our lives, which side would win? Would the good outweigh the bad? Or, would the bad outweigh the good? I really just don’t know.
If you look around town, read the papers or watch the news it seems like all you see are reports about bad things. Drugs, robberies and all around mayhem. We point our fingers at wrong doers and we say, “That is one rotten fellah.” I don’t think this is what needs to be done. I can watch TV and pass judgements on these people all day long. I’ve probably even done it already. But in my heart of hearts, I don’t think it’s the right thing to do.
I know everyone doesn’t have the time to open shelters or provide free rehabilitation to these people. I think everyone stays busier then they want to nowadays. I do think we could probably be less judgemental. I know I could, and I plan on starting right now. I can’t promise you perfection but I can certainly give it the best go I’ve got.
No, I’m not an authority on the subject. And I’m not going to start quoting the lyrics to “Heal the World.” But I’m convinced we all need to sit back and take a look at ourselves before we start pointing our fingers. You’re not perfect. Nobody is. It just isn’t plausible.
If you think you are? I’ve got news for you sweetheart, you‘re not.
My point is, think before you act. Try not to label, if you can. People are never just one thing. People who have had a bad day aren’t always going to be just a generally hateful person because they‘re a little snippity . They’re moms and dads, brother, sisters, aunts and uncles, just like the rest of us.
Everyone is going to have certain likable and not so likable qualities. There is always another person that loves this someone that you’re so ready to dislike. There is something inside of that person that has drawn another human being to them. What floats one person’s boat may not float the other’s. This doesn’t make anyone less worthy of our time or our respect.
So, let’s all give it a go, shall we? Maybe one day when we’re feeling less then happy and hating the world, someone will do the same for us.
I leave you this week with a smile and a quote from “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein: “Teddy said it was a hat, and so I put it on. Now daddy’s sayin’, “Where the heck has the toilet plunger gone?”
It might take you a minute to get it, but you’ll be smiling when you do!
About the Author
Mandi Hayes-Spencer is a columnist for a local newspaper in her hometown of Flatwoods, Ky. The Beacon, has a circulation of about 3000 readers. She has been compared to the likes of Erma Bombeck because of her laughable approach to life and her ability to make you think at the same time.
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What page is the poem “Upstairs” in Shel Silverstein’s Where the sidewalk ends?
I just lent my books to friends, and I need to know what page number Upstairs is on for my work cited page. Just the number would be great.
page 60 =)
The Actual ’73 Giving Tree Movie Spoken By Shel Silverstein
