Ations

by Shel Silverstein

• • LISTEN to the poem read by the Shel Silverstein ( 10'44'' from the beginning of this programme )

• RECORD this poem on-line

1 If we meet and I say, "Hi,"

2 That’s a salutation.

3 If you ask me how I feel,

4 That’s consideration.

5 If we stop and talk a while,

6 That’s a conversation.

7 If we understand each other,

8 That’s communication.

9 If we argue, scream and fight,

10 That’s an altercation.

11 If later we apologize,

12 That’s reconciliation.

13 If we help each other home,

14 That’s cooperation.

15 And all these ations added up

16 Make civilization.

17 And if I say this is a wonderful poem, Is that exaggeration?