Hug O'War
by Shel Silverstein /from the book "Where the Sidewalk Ends" (1974)
I will not play at tug o' war.
I'd rather play at hug o' war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs,
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses,
And everyone grins,
And everyone cuddles,
And everyone wins.
Growing up, I loved to read poems by Shel Silverstein. He is a brilliant poet and he brings joy to life. The things he says within his poems are wonderful and creative beyond words. I chose to blog about this short poem called "Hug O'War". Although it is very short, the poem can be described with a million words. When I read it, I think of all the happy things in my life that has occured. I think about the people in my life who makes me feel great and happy to be alive!
For instance,my family makes me laugh and giggle and my friends make me smile with the many stories they tell me. I couldn't be more grateful for the life that I have before me.
Sometimes, people take certain situations or things too seriously. People need to relax! The point in life is to be happy and enjoy it while you can! I feel that Silverstein's message in this particular poem is for people to appreciate the laughter and joy that life brings, especially with the loving people that are involved.
The lines that stands out in this poem are "Where everyone hugs, Instead of tugs". This is my favorite part of the poem. It is cute and uses words that are easily relatable for kids. It conveys that there should not ever be any unhappy feelings, but everyone should have positive thoughts!
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Shel Silverstein's poems are always good. Most of them will put a smile on anyone's face easily. It's little things like this that makes the world go round.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me think of a completely different world. The world we live in today would not use hugs to solve problems. As kids, giving hugs seems to solve anything. I wish we could grow up and keep this philosophy.
ReplyDeleteI really said "aww!" when I read that, just because no one ever has the feeling that "everybody should win" anymore. It's really refreshing to see that.
ReplyDeleteI love how you say that people take things too seriously and should just relax. I even find myself doing this, and consider myself very laid back. If you step back and reflect on the situation you are in, frequently you will feel silly getting so worked up over it. I think Silverstien's work is a good reminder to just step back and be happy for happiness' sake.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a feel good poem. The last line says it all. I think your right about Sliverstein's message too. We need to enjoy our laughter annd appreciate the joy it brings.
ReplyDeleteThis poem is relavent for almost anything. Why fight when we could all get a long. It's such a childish concept of tug o' war but why do we need to always be competing. The world would be so much easier and better if we never faught and everyone won.
ReplyDeleteThis poem reminds me of my girlfriend ;)
ReplyDeleteI like this poem because it is so upbeat and relaxing. You're right, people (I do too)take things too seriously a lot of the time. It's nice to take a step back and just enjoy life.
ReplyDeleteShel Silverstein's poems always make people laugh. I used to read them all the time when I was younger! And you make a good point about how people just need to relax sometimes and not get so uptight about things. Poems like these are a great way to make you laugh and not get too stessed out.
ReplyDeleteSome things should just stay for fun and games...like tug of war and soccer.
ReplyDelete