Poem Analysis - Shel Silverstein2

Ticklish Tom

By Shel Silverstein

The poem tells the amusing story of a ticklish boy who cannot stop laughing wherever he goes: on the floor, out the door, on the way to school, out of school, out of town, down the road, across the plain. It simply talks about the happy, careless childhood time, when we have fun and always see the bright side of life.

Through every single word and line and rhyme, the poem boasts happiness, fun and joy. As I was reading it I just couldn’t stop myself giggling as I am myself a ticklish person and the language is so intense that it somehow hypnotizes you and makes you feel exactly the same as the boy in the poem.

Almost the entire poem describes the places and circumstances where the boy felt ticklish and keeps a funny atmosphere but, unfortunately, in the end the boy stops feeling this way.  The moment he “rolled on the railroad track” might symbolize the very first step towards adulthood, when we no longer feel amused and worriless.

I consider this poem to be extremely funny as it instantly creates a relaxed and “ticklish” atmosphere. The many visual and auditory elements intensify and help develop the story up to a climax where suddenly things become serious and are no longer what they used to be. I do believe that people should read this poem especially when they are sad or depressed as it will instantly work its effects, just like a pill, and help you laugh and cheer up!