* Are you referring to Shel Silverstein? If so, here are some of the influences on his writing:
* His own childhood: Silverstein's upbringing was filled with creativity and a love of storytelling. He credits his parents with encouraging his imaginative side.
* The folk music scene: Silverstein was a successful songwriter in the 1960s and 70s, working with artists like Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn. This experience undoubtedly influenced his rhythmic and poetic language.
* The absurdist humor of the 20th century: Silverstein's work often features the unexpected, the whimsical, and the ridiculous, echoing the sensibilities of absurdist writers like Samuel Beckett and Eugene Ionesco.
* Classic children's literature: He was inspired by authors like Dr. Seuss, Edward Lear, and L. Frank Baum, who combined imaginative storytelling with playful rhymes and illustrations.
* His own life experiences: Many of Silverstein's stories and poems draw upon real-life events and observations, often imbued with humor and a touch of melancholy.
* If you are referring to someone else named "Shel," please provide more information so I can give you a relevant answer.