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 awhile,

That’s a conversation.

If we understand each other,

That’s communication.

If we argue, scream and fight,

That’s an altercation.

If later we apologize,

That’s a reconciliation.

If we help each other home,

That’s cooperation.

And all these ations added up

Make civilization.

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

Shel Silverstein

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