Home > Deaf Thoughts, On Love/On Kindness > Painful Poem: Deaf Love for Talkie

Painful Poem: Deaf Love for Talkie

February 14, 2008

There is a poignant poem “Deaf Donald” by Shel Silverstein about a little boy, Deaf Donald, who signs, ” I love you,” to Talkie Sue. But because she can’t read his language, she leaves “forever” and never knows that he is trying to tell her that he loves her. This poem is an example of the “absence of understanding” on the part of the characters. I can’t find the picture of Deaf Donald signing to Talkie Sue anywhere on the internet so you can find the children’s book, “A Light in the Attic”, on the page 143. (see below) at many places such as libraries and bookstores. Enjoy reading the poem.

Deaf Donald

Deaf Donald met Talkie Sue

But I Love You was all he could do.

And Sue Said, “Donald I sure do like you.”

But I Love You was all he could do.

And Sue asked Donald, ” Do you like me too?”

But I Love You was all he could do.

“Good-bye then, Donald, I’m leaving you.”

But I Love You was all he could do.

And she left forever and she never knew

That I Love you means I Love You!

-Shel Silverstein

Updated: Our FB reader Sharon found this for you.  Many thanks to her. 

 

Categories: Deaf Thoughts, On Love/On Kindness
  1. Sharon
    February 14, 2008 at 12:14 pm
  2. DenverGurl
    February 14, 2008 at 1:23 pm

    Shel Silverstein’s poem is very beautiful and sad. It’s one of my favorite poems. I am happy to see this again.

    Bug, I met you and your girlfriend ”E” last November. She and you looked happy and cool. I watched your communication with her, wow. Very sweet. So cute. Many people looked up to you because you touched their life. We know that you are a great man with a heart of gold. Last week I heard that she broke your good heart and left like Talkie Sue. It makes us very sad. This poem reminds me of her and you. I am sorry. I hope you are ok. Take care.

  3. Katie
    February 14, 2008 at 6:09 pm

    Nice and sad poem. This is a perfect one for her. Hang in there.

  4. deb ann
    February 14, 2008 at 11:01 pm

    All FB’s fans have a big heart for you. Hang in there. *Hugs*

  5. Johanne S.
    February 15, 2008 at 5:07 pm

    I agree with Deb Ann. Why did I hate to see someone breaks his heart. He is a sweet and nice guy I ever met. I am really sorry.

  6. roll my eyes
    February 15, 2008 at 7:37 pm

    I really like it. Where can I buy the book?

  7. Barka
    February 16, 2008 at 3:37 pm

    Then, who needs a stupid girl, Sue like that. Other gril will be meant for him.

  8. Amy
    February 16, 2008 at 5:48 pm

    To “roll my eyes”, I see a lot of books like this at the bookstores and amazon.com

  9. e
    February 18, 2008 at 3:40 pm

    I have a great amount of respect for Bug, and all of you. I want to thank you for supporting him.

  10. Mara
    February 19, 2008 at 2:45 am

    Very touchy. I am sure Bug is going through the hard time. I hope he will be ok.(hugs)

  11. Karyn
    February 19, 2008 at 11:46 am

    Many heartbreaks, tears, in our world, but many joys also. Hope Bug can find someone giving and generous to match his heart.

  12. Eva
    February 19, 2008 at 1:15 pm

    Poor guy. She is very unfair to him. I think he would have liked her to hear his heart.

  13. Katie
    February 19, 2008 at 5:21 pm

    Hi

    I know fookman from gally but I notice that I only see Jflmad and jimactor on vlog.. Knowing Fookman he can be very funny. I would LOVE to see him in vlog for a change. 😉 By the way Fookman it s me Katie formerly Jones from NC!!!!

  14. Sarah
    February 19, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    I agree with Eva. Eric is a great guy. I never really knew much about him except for what I heard from these people, so many good things about him. I don’t understand how this happened. I hope he will write a story about deaf/hearing love story.

  15. Carrie from Westminster
    February 20, 2008 at 11:16 pm

    The poem is so cute. Someone said she got his heart then hurt him on purpose?? I hope it is not true. It should not happen because he is a WONDERFUL and funny guy.

  16. Debbie
    February 22, 2008 at 1:28 am

    😦

  17. Friend
    February 22, 2008 at 11:14 am

    That’s #*&!$ hurtt! I thought she was nice. Whaz is wrong with her? She owes him a big apology.

  18. Emma
    February 22, 2008 at 11:40 am

    I read Shel Silverstein when I was young and I loved his poetry. I used to read it to the kids I babysat (and I never sat on a baby) and I now read it to my own children. What can be said that hasn’t been said already?

    This: Shel Silverstein wrote more than just silly. Some of his greatest poems bring tears to my eyes and make me think about things like justice, death, love, and even my Creator. Pretty deep stuff. I personally believe it’s that inane sense of humor he had combined with an almost philosophical take on life that mades Shel a great children’s poet.

  19. Jacey125
    April 17, 2008 at 11:56 am

    awww that story do touch my heart! She need to treat him way better than this… drag her out to the door….

  20. whitney
    November 5, 2008 at 1:58 pm

    i think this poems really expresses how many people see and treat deaf people. Hearies dont take the time to understand deaf people and the (asl) which really hurts. although iam not deaf my cousin is and the things poeple put him through is really hard for me to cope with…..

    😦

  21. All right ok think!
    January 28, 2010 at 11:07 am

    I happen all right ,can i tell only if think me!

  22. Anonymous
    April 6, 2010 at 8:16 pm

    the best peom ever! its so… sad but i love it! (all time favorite)

  23. snakehawks
    May 14, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    Big hands and strong arms to hold you with tender care and God watch over you with a warm smile.

  24. Kayeng Thao
    April 12, 2013 at 10:41 am

    this poem is great, i was going to read it to my high school class for poetry reading session, though i couldn’t find, i find it funny and ironic that i found it now

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