“The Loser” by Shel Silverstein

I was first introduced to Shel Silverstein when my parents gave me one of his books for my 10th birthday. I still have it and read it all the time. He’s an amazing poet and a great artist. As well as one of my superheros.

The Loser

Mama said I’d lose my head
if it wasn’t fastened on.
Today I guess it wasn’t
’cause while playing with my cousin
it fell off and rolled away
and now it’s gone.

And I can’t look for it
’cause my eyes are in it,
and I can’t call to it
’cause my mouth is on it
(couldn’t hear me anyway
’cause my ears are on it),
can’t even think about it
’cause my brain is in it.
So I guess I’ll sit down
on this rock
and rest for just a minute…

from the book “Where the Sidewalk Ends” (1974)