Hug O'War
By: Shel Silverstein
I will not play at tug o' war.
I'd rather play at hug o' war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs,
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses,
And everyone grins,
And everyone cuddles,
And everyone wins.
From the book "Where the Sidewalk Ends" (1974)
Shel Silverstein’s poem “Hug O’War” always pops into my head when I think about poetry. I think this poem is just perfect. The poem is short, sweet, and simple with the point being very clear. Silverstein has taken a game that is has been given the reputation of being competitive and rough and turned it into a game of kisses and giggles. I love the idea of having a game where everything is positive, no competition, no fighting and no losing. This is an important poem to share with children because it teaches a lesson about kindness.