Alice Ochs/Michael Ochs Archives, via Getty Images Supported by By Elisabeth Egan If you were lucky enough to be read to as a kid, you probably found yourself face to face with Shel Silverstein ...

Shel Silverstein was one of the most talented poets of the last century. If you were a kid who grew up in America, you grew up with his songs, poems, and maybe one or two cartoons that he made, too.

Donation Options Search Search Search Nick Yokanovich’s Shel Silverstein-inspired tattoo ... In another piece, a cartoon man sits on a giant plant, glancing up with a contented smile.

As referenced in American Songwriter’s previous Shel Silverstein story ... Don’t be dependent on anyone else—man, woman, child, or dog.” 9. “I couldn’t play ball.