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Belly button Quote 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…” quote by Shel Silverstein
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““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 toes are 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!””

Shel Silverstein

About This Quote

A child's exaggerated list of ailments humorously critiques adult expectations of illness and the desire for freedom from school.

In simple terms: Childhood rebellion through absurd illness

Key Takeaway

Exaggeration reveals desire to avoid responsibility

Themes

playfulness rebellion imagination hyperbole freedom

Mood

whimsical defiant silly

Type

humorous narrative satirical

When to use this quote

  • pretending to be sick to skip school
  • using humor to cope with boredom
  • expressing frustration with routine

Key Concepts

authority health school creativity

Practical Applications

  • creative writing prompts
  • illustrating hyperbole in literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does exaggeration change the perception of authority?
  • What does the child's list say about adult control?
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