Howdy, Y'All!

Nothing warms the cockles of the heart like a cheery, "Hello!"
'Twill put a spring in your step and set your face aglow!
'Tis nice to hear a southern lass say, "Hi, shuga, how y'all!"
Or be greeted with a lusty, "Howdy" by a Texan's drawl!

A sunny greeting is welcome no matter what the language.
It brightens your neighbor's day and kinship it will assuage.
In Japan from the south in Okinawa to the north in Misawa,
Folks bow low and say to one another, "Konnichiwa!"

In France, noted for its exquisite cuisine and chic haute couture,
Gentlemen doff their chapeaux and wish a cordial, "Bon jour!"
Jewish brethern acknowledge others with a calming, "Shalom!"
While Muslim folks will greet you with the traditional, "Salaam!"

The Aussies have a delightful way their greeting to convey.
They lighten everyone's day by simply saying to you, "G'day!"
Spanish folks say, "Bueno dias!" to folks they happen to greet.
Germans hail others with, "Guten Tag!" strolling along the street!

Alas, the babble of languages may not be quite understood,
But just one small gesture might help to foster brotherhood!
If we'd take time to greet each other and flash a friendly smile,
'Twould surely make someone's day and life seem more worthwhile!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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A  Avatar
March 17, 2010 at 11:47 PM
WELL ROBERT I LIKED THIS POEM I THINK IT WAS JUST AWESOME... LOVED THE FACT THAT YOU GAVE A LITTLE BACKROUND OF HOW OTHERS GREET EACH OTHER
Taylor Avatar
March 16, 2010 at 1:59 PM
You seem to have captured them all , Bob. Another good job. Thanks for your comments on my offerings! Hosta la vista senior - Ralph
Gorelick Avatar
March 16, 2010 at 12:42 PM
Morning! Very cute write as usual. And so very full of truth. BG
Devonshire Avatar
March 16, 2010 at 9:36 AM
Bon jour, mon ami! Votre plume c'est magnifique! We all have a different way of expressing our greetings and you brought many cultures together in your poem! Well done, my friend. Love, Carolyn
Bathsheba Avatar
March 16, 2010 at 9:34 AM
Lovely warm write Robert - But ... you forgot to mention the English greeting lol - Thanks for brightening up my day with a fab write -:)
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