Sick
by Shel Silverstein
“I cannot go to school today,”
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
“I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash, and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I’m going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I’ve counted sixteen chicken pox
And there’s one more—that’s seventeen,
And don’t you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut, my eyes are blue—
It might be the instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I’m sure that my left leg is broke—
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button’s caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle’s sprained,
My ‘pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb,
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow’s bent, my spine ain’t straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There’s a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is—
What? What’s that? What’s that you say?
You say today is… Saturday?
G’bye, I’m going out to play!”
About the Poet
Shel Silverstein (1930-1999) was one of America’s most beloved children’s authors and poets. He was known for his whimsical, funny, and sometimes nonsensical poetry that captured children’s imaginations. His most famous works include “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” “A Light in the Attic,” and “The Giving Tree.” Silverstein had a unique ability to see the world through children’s eyes and write about everyday situations in clever, humorous ways that both children and adults could enjoy.
About the Poem
“Sick” is one of Silverstein’s most popular poems, first published in his collection “Where the Sidewalk Ends” (1974). The poem humorously captures a common childhood experience – trying to avoid going to school by pretending to be sick. Through the character of Peggy Ann McKay, Silverstein creates an over-the-top list of ailments that becomes more ridiculous with each line. The poem’s genius lies in its exaggeration and the perfect twist ending that makes children laugh while subtly teaching them about honesty and creativity.
