What does reciprocation mean?
Some, it seems, don't get the idea;
You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours,
Been going on for thousands of years.

Just something we need think about,
This simple matter of courtesy;
Not a written rule or a law,
An agreement of sorts if you please.

Yet, a matter of principle,
Of how much one may do for you;
Expecting nothing in return,
Often, that's just what one does do.

But at some point, the buck stops here,
When there is no longer tit for tat;
For right is right and wrong is wrong,
Hope you understand where I'm at.

And sometimes we all get an itch,
That all by ourselves, we can't reach;
This write isn't a reprimand,
It's just a simple way to teach.

That one good turn deserves another,
And courtesy is a two way street;
Works in every aspect of life,
Reciprocation can be so sweet.

But when this thing doesn't happen,
It's more like a slap in the face;
Let's show each other courtesy,
While we're on the trail through this place.

© Copyright 2009 Paul D. Berube
All rights reserved