God says to me with a kind of smile,
“Hey how would you like to be God awhile
And steer the world?”
“Okay,” says I, “I’ll give it a try.
Where do I set?
How much do I get?
What time is lunch?
When can I quit?”
“Gimme back that wheel,” says God.
“I don’t think you’re quite ready yet.”

Analysis, meaning and summary of Shel Silverstein's poem God’s Wheel

32 Comments

  1. James says:

    i think this poem is about how humanity as a whole is not ready for power when we finaly get power our world changes on a moments notice

  2. Sophia says:

    When I read this poem it reminds me that G-D runs the world, God does everything for a reason we may not see the reason but its their.

  3. Sherry G says:

    I think what this poem is trying to express is that, you know how sometimes we question what God does? For example we say something like “If this is God’s world why is he letting this and that happen?” or “Why doesn’t God prevent certain things or events happen?” In my opinion none of us on this earth can even begin to imagine how difficult it would be to take care of people who don’t want ta be taken care of.

  4. DS Martin says:

    Poetry is always somewhat subjective, even when the author has intended meaning when writing. So, to state simply, Silverstein’s poem “is an insult to God”; to Mike. However, it is not an insult to God; to me.
    Futhermore, the struggle that occurs between Silverstein’s ‘God and I’, in this poem, is not too far removed from Jacob’s wrestling match with the angel of the Lord, of Genesis 32:24-30.
    God blessed Jacob because Jacob struggled with him.
    God expects us to struggle with him. God blesses us, only so long as we stay in the struggle, just like Jacob.

  5. shannon says:

    you people don’t take it so serious because you don’t have jesus christ in your heart or in your life. This poem to me is about him watching over us and not letting someone else take over and when all they are is worried about other things. Think with your hearts not your minds. You would get it alot faster.

  6. shannon says:

    This poem really touches my heart because without jesus in our lives we are lost. Just think he died for you! I can’t wait until the day he comes for us. So i can be in heaven with him.I love him so much for he is by my side everyday. For i would hate to know were i
    would be without him. Jesus Christ is the answer.

  7. Ana says:

    Well…. think that the poem ment that God watches and keeps us all the time and he doesn’t take a break. He is caring for us every second, minute, and hour of our day. HE LOVES US SOOOO MUCH!!!!! And the child didn’t realize that Our Father is watching over us every second to make sure that we are good and safe. He thought that it was easier because God does do such a good job that he makes it look easy. Yaweh is the best!!!!

  8. julia says:

    God has definatly give silverstein a wonderful talent and ability to write. This peom “God’s Wheel” just reminds me of how awsome, and mighty, majestic He is. Without Jesus Christ, I would not be here, I couldn’t make it with out Him. It makes me so thankful and greatful, that my Lord, God, Jesus, is incontrol of everything, because I can count on Him, I know he will always be there for me, and He is perfect and unchanging. I Praise My Father, Jesus, for loving me enough to come to earth as man and die for my sins, and then Rise again after 3 days, so that i can live with Him forever, In Heaven!

  9. Kristy says:

    This poem is so simple with such a simple message. It reminds me of Bruce Almighty….we think we would do so many wonderful things if we were in control and yet we really just mess it all up. I think it also says if you want to be in control why ask so many questions…you are obviously not ready to be in charge.

  10. alicia says:

    very funny

  11. sam says:

    i think it was great and thoughtfull

  12. Kaelie says:

    I loved this poem I didn’t really get it but it sounded good, and I mean the weird part about it is that I’m not even religous?!

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