March 04, 2024

ROAR or MEOW


THE VOICE

by Shel Silverstein, from FALLING UP
Harper Collins 1996

_________________

Roar like a lion, meow softly like a cat.  
Let it always be your words, your thoughts, your beliefs and feelings.  Today the shouting is loud and comes at each of us from every direction, it is endless, pervasive and persuasive.  Misinformation or disinformation is everywhere, now even AI-generated and it can be (and will be) hard to sort through the messiness of it all.  But there is a voice inside. It has been there a long long time, telling us right from wrong, good from bad, sweet from sour ~ hear, but speak in your voice.

Image: my pen-and-ink paper sketch of a lioness 
overlaid by an Adobe pen sketch of June
 

20 comments:

  1. well said... we love that... ...roared or whispered it is very good.

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  2. I had never really heard of Dr, Seuss before I started blogging, but I very much prefer Shel Silverstein.
    That is a lovely image of June and the lion.

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  3. Lovely art, and a terrific sentiment.

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  4. Beautiful drawing! And very wise words.

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  5. Dearest Ann,
    Your pen–and–ink paper sketch is so well done and mixes well with June's sketch!
    Oh, how I fully agree with speaking in your own voice—so many people want to be 'cool' and go with the flow... SAD!
    No plagiarism of thoughts, just dare to live your own life, the way we got molded by our Parents and Grandparents.
    Big hugs,
    Mariette

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  6. Ann and June you post is wonderful. I love reading Mr. Silverstein's quotes and OMCs you lion sketch is gorgeous.
    I cann't draw a straight line with a ruler.
    Hugs Cecilia

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  7. We love your illustration and your message. Sadly too many people don't think for themselves and just believe all the lies (we don't like the word "disinformation") that they are told. We really wish thoes people would have the fog removed from their eyes and brains.

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  8. Stunning, better than Any AI could do.. you are truly gifted

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  9. Absolutely fabulous and thoughtful writing! Also love the drawings, so purrfect!

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  10. Mom is always saying to the TV she wishes they would just stop it and be quiet. Find some good news and talk about it. Stop dwelling on all the bad in the world. It's no wonder the world isn't so happy anymore.

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  11. Your sketch is just beautiful and we love Shel Silverstein's wisdom!

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  12. What a beautiful image A, so very beautiful!!
    The quote is something every human should live by!

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  13. Nice art and great quote. XO

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  14. Another wonderful quote, full of wisdom, words to live by. Thanks for sharing.

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  15. That is a terrific quote and yes, so many things are messed up, especially with AI adding to the confusion.

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  16. I don't always do it, but I try to pray, then speak. Saves a vast lot of bother and clears my head.

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  17. I sometimes wonder what he would have said to today's generation....He sure had lots of wise words.
    A beautiful combo of that lioness and June! She has Meowed her Roar!

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  18. Excellent advice. And we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your sketch! 💙

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  19. Charlee: "Meow."
    Chaplin: "Meow."
    Oona: "ROAR!!!!"

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