HUG O’WAR (Where the Sidewalk Ends) by Shel Silverstein

Paraphrase= Instead of fighting, the poem imagines a world where people play games of hugging themselves and laughing. It’s a funny and cool call for kindness and connection over conflict.

Attitude= I feel playful, peaceful and loving when I read the poem. Shel S. uses a childlike voice to deal in kindness and affection over conflict. He takes the idea of “tug o’war” into something kind and happy.

Shift= “Hug O’ War” is wonderfully defiant for it changes the idea of competition into something sweet and joyful. I think it’s intellectual how Silverstein uses childlike play to example emotional thought and compassion.

Opinion= It’s a poem that makes you smile and rethink what “winning” really means.

Recommendation= I wouldn’t really recommend it to someone because even the title can afraid and can give weird thoughts to someone but the poem can encourage him/her.