Mr. Write's Page

E is for egg.
See the egg.
The egg is full of slimey gooey white stuff and icky yellow stuff.
Do you like to eat eggs?
E is also for Ernie.
Ernie is the genie who lives in the ceiling.
Ernie loves eggs.
Take a nice fresh egg and throw it as high as you can
And yell “Catch, Ernie! Catch the egg!
And Ernie will reach down and catch the egg. 

That’s the description of the letter “E” in “Uncle Shelby’s ABZ Book” (subtitled “A Primer for Adults Only”) by Shel Silverstein, the one and only.

Silverstein excelled at everything he tried. For the last half of the 20th Century, he was nationally-known — as a songwriter, musician, illustrator, author, and poet. He even wrote film scores.

These days, Silverstein probably is best remembered for his children’s books — books of prose and poetry that range from the whimsical to the humorous to the subversive. Some of it is goofy, some of it is tender and kind.

I say a regular dose of Uncle Shelby is good for the spirit. So, without further ado…

Shel Silverstein, 1930-1999.