Maureen Leventhal

March 8, 2004

I heard a children’s poem on NPR that I thought it was by Shel Silverstein but I have been unable to find it in his books of poetry “Where the Sidewalk Ends” or “A Light in the Attic”. I am turning to you, a font of knowledge about children’s literature, to see if you can guide me to the correct source. The poem had to do with discrimination and it was a short, witty witty take on how we would react if we couldn’t see each other, like when the lights are out. It said something about how there are no fat or skinny, no beautiful or ugly people when the lights are out, and ended with a line about how God should turn the lights out. Is this familiar to you? I would like to use it with the children at my school in teaching them about tolerance. If you can help, I’d appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Maureen Leventhal, School Social Worker/Counselor

Sorry. I'm not a Shel Silverstein expert, and I don't recognize the poem. This makes the second time I didn't know the answer to a question. 
Anyone else know? Tell us and you could win...a round of thanks from us and Maureen!