There is a place where the sidewalk ends
and before the street begins,
and there the grass grows soft and white,
and there the sun burns crimson bright,
and there the moon-bird rests from his flight
to cool in the peppermint wind.
Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
and the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
we shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow
and watch where the chalk-white arrows go
to the place where the sidewalk ends.
Yes we’ll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
and we’ll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
for the children, they mark, and the children, they know,
the place where the sidewalk ends.
"Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein is a whimsical and imaginative poem that captures the idea of a magical and fantastical place beyond the boundaries of the everyday world. Through its playful language and vivid imagery, the poem invites readers to explore their sense of wonder and embrace their imagination.
The poem's title, "Where the Sidewalk Ends," immediately suggests a departure from the ordinary and a journey into the unknown. This departure serves as a metaphor for breaking free from the constraints of the mundane and venturing into a realm of possibility.
Silverstein's use of sensory and imaginative imagery, such as "grass grows soft and white" and "the moon-bird rests from his flight," paints a picture of a fantastical place filled with enchanting sights and experiences.
The poem's rhythmic and rhyming structure adds to its musical quality, enhancing the sense of adventure and the playful tone.
The recurring line "And there the world is sweet and still" creates a sense of contrast between the busy and noisy world of reality and the serene and magical world of the imagination.
"Where the Sidewalk Ends" is an invitation to embrace the power of imagination and curiosity. The poem encourages readers, especially children, to explore the boundaries of their creativity and venture into the unknown realms of their own minds. It celebrates the idea that beyond the constraints of the everyday world, there exists a place where one can discover endless possibilities and experience the joy of unfettered imagination.
