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A Shel Silverstein Appalachian Trial
I recently stumbled across this Buzzfeed article full of Shel Silverstein poems. I couldn’t believe how applicable and inspiring these were to me as we plan for our AT thru-hike! I picked out some of the best ones to tell the story of an AT journey. From battling with input and doubt from others to making that final decision to just do it, and from enjoying your surroundings and “hiking your own hike” to being sad it’s come to an end…
“Listen to the mustn’ts, child,
Listen to the don’ts.
Listen to the shouldn’ts.
The impossibles, the won’ts.
Listen to the never haves.
Then listen close to me—
Anything can happen, child,
Anything can be.” – Where the Sidewalk Ends
“There is a voice inside of you
That whispers all day long,
‘I feel this is right for me,
I know that this is wrong.’
No teacher, preacher, parent, friend
Or wise man can decide
What’s right for you — just listen to
The voice that speaks inside.” – Falling Up
“It’s amazing the difference
A bit of sky can make.” – Where the Sidewalk Ends
Big sky over the Smokey Mountains. Photo credit: Nathan Harper @bottleleaf
“But all the Magic I have known I’ve had to make myself. – Where the Sidewalk Ends
“There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes we’ll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we’ll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.” – Where the Sidewalk Ends
“There are no happy endings.
Endings are the saddest part,
So just give me a happy middle
And a very happy start.” – Every Thing On It
Shel Silverstein is one smart, witty, wise man. If he’s taught me anything, it’s to let go and enjoy being in the moment.
Did I miss any good ones?
Feature image photo credit to Michelle @smileoften
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