“The VoiceThere is a voice inside of youThat whispers all day long,"I feel this is right for me,I know that this is wrong."No teacher, preacher, parent, friendOr wise man can decideWhat's right for you--just listen toThe voice that speaks inside.”
In this poem by Shel Silverstein, the poet emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice when it comes to making decisions. The voice inside each individual serves as a guide, distinct from external influences such as teachers, parents, or friends. By acknowledging and trusting this inner voice, one can find clarity and make choices that align with their true desires. Silverstein's message encourages readers to tune into their own intuition and make decisions based on their personal feelings and values rather than seeking validation or direction from others.
In today's fast-paced world, we are often bombarded with external opinions and advice on how to live our lives. However, Shel Silverstein's timeless poem reminds us of the importance of listening to our own inner voice. In a society that values external validation and conformity, trusting our intuition can lead us towards making decisions that align with our true desires and values. Silverstein's message serves as a powerful reminder to tune out the noise and trust our instincts in navigating life's complexities.
"The Voice" by Shel Silverstein emphasizes the importance of listening to and trusting one's own intuition. The poem encourages readers to tune into their inner voice and follow it over the advice of others.
Example 1: During a life-changing decision, Sarah listened to her inner voice and chose to pursue a career in art, despite her parent's disapproval.
Example 2: James ignored the well-meaning advice of his friends and followed the voice inside him that urged him to travel the world. This decision led to new opportunities and personal growth.
In this poem, Shel Silverstein reminds us to listen to our inner voice when making decisions. Here are some reflection questions to ponder:
What does the inner voice represent to you personally? How do you typically tune into or ignore this voice in your daily life?
Think about a time when you followed your inner voice and it led you in the right direction. How did it feel to trust your intuition?
Have there been instances where you ignored your inner voice and later regretted your decision? What did you learn from that experience?
How can you cultivate a deeper connection with your inner voice and practice listening to it more often in your decision-making process?
“And all the colors I am inside have not been invented yet.”
“Knock! knock!who's there?me!me who?that's right?what's right?meehoo!that's what I want to know!what's what you want to know?me who?yes, exactly!exactly what?yes, I have exactlywatt on a chain!exactly what on a chain?yes!yes what?no, exactlywatt!that's what I want to know!I told you-exactlywatt!exactly what?yes!yes what?yes it's with me.what's with you?exactlywatt-that's what with me.me who?yes!go away!knock knock...”
“The Little Boy and the Old ManSaid the little boy, "Sometimes I drop my spoon."Said the old man, "I do that too."The little boy whispered, "I wet my pants."I do that too," laughed the little old man.Said the little boy, "I often cry."The old man nodded, "So do I."But worst of all," said the boy, "it seemsGrown-ups don't pay attention to me."And he felt the warmth of a wrinkled old hand.I know what you mean," said the little old man.”
“...I am writing these poems from inside a lion...”
“How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live 'em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give 'em.”
“If you're sloppy, that's just fine.If you're moody, I won't mind.If you're fat, that's fine with me.If you're skinny, let it be.If you're bossy, that's all right.if you're nasty, I won't fight.If you're rough, well that's just you.If you're mean, that's all right too.Whatever you are is all okay.I don't like you anyway.”