Ations
If we meet and I say, “Hi,”
That’s a salutation.
If you ask me how I feel,
That’s a consideration.
If we stop and talk a while,
That’s a conversation.
If we understand each other,
That’s a communication.
If we argue, scream, and fight,
That’s an altercation.
If later we apologize,
That’s reconciliation.
If we help each other home.
That’s a cooperation.
And all these actions added up
Make Civilization.
(And if I say this is a wonderful poem,
Is that exaggeration?)
Delightful! Although it took me awhile to catch on to the meaning of the title.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about the title. As soon as I figured it out everything made sense.
DeleteLove it. My boys had Shel Silverstein’s books. I believe I still have them. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThe only one we had was The Giving Tree, but it got a lot of use.
Delete"-ATION. : the action or process of doing something." There's a lot of processing going on which is needed for a civilization.
ReplyDeleteYep.
DeleteWonderful poem - what fun he must have had composing it.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteI rather like it!
ReplyDeletethat is great, as is most Shel Silverstein
ReplyDeleteHe was a gem.
DeleteWhat that poem said was just right, not too short and not too long!
ReplyDeleteAn ideal :-)
DeleteWhen my Grandmother's vision became so poor, she couldn't read, I would read her Silverstein's poems. Love him. This particular poem should be taught in all Social Studies classes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story about your grandmother.
DeleteI have never read this poem before... very nice read and much to think about
ReplyDeleteI think it's like a lot of literature...easily understandable at first glance, but with some deep undertones.
DeleteWhat a clever piece!!
ReplyDelete