I always read this one as Shel evangelizing his views on romantic relationships. He never married, spent a lot of time at the Playboy mansion, and is reported to have had many, many partners.<p>To me the book sounded like him trying to convince others that the unattached life is the way to go. Reading it as a parable of mentorship would not have occurred to me.
I have told two people about this book over the last 7 days. Uncanny to see it here. An exceptional book from a different time, every bit as relevant today.<p>Shel Silverstein was a treasure.