The Importance of Being Kind

The Hug Of War

Shel woke up early in the morning. He took his book from the bookshelf and brought it to the dining room. While sitting on the sofa, he decided to go to the park. As Shel was walking, he saw Charles walking a long way ahead. Shel invited Charles to go to the park with him, and Charles nodded in agreement.

When Charles and Shel arrived at the park, they found a group of guys playing in the center. Charles approached them and invited Shel to join the game, but Shel told Charles he would follow after finishing his writing. After a while, the game ended, and one of Charles’s friends approached Shel. He invited Shel to play tug of war. Shel smiled and said, “Why tug of war? How about a hug of war? Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, where everyone kisses, grins, cuddles—and everyone wins.”

Charles’s friend was shocked by Shel’s idea but quickly shared it with the others. Charles and his friends approached Shel, who grinned at them. They all started to play the hug of war. After an hour, they finished playing, and Charles and Shel went to the library.

***

At the library, Charles asked Shel about the game. “Where did the game come from?” he asked.

Shel replied, “I wrote a poem a while ago based on kindness. That’s why I suggested your friend play a hug of war.”

Charles was surprised and happy about Shel’s poem. After a moment, Charles decided to go home because of his curfew. “Thank you, Shel. I’ll head home now,” he said, and Shel smiled at him.

Shel stayed in the library with his book and poem, and he began writing again. After a while, he decided to go to the other park and walked out the door. He saw an old librarian.

“Good afternoon, ma’am,” Shel greeted.

The old woman smiled and said, “Good afternoon to you, Shel Silverstein. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

Shel smiled and continued walking through the park.