Never neglect to nod hello

I always like to nod hello
To all folks as I come and go
It's what grand hotel workers do
It should apply to me and you

The Japanese enter your lift
Even if you don't have to shift
Their culture says smile, nod, 'Hell-low'
Chat, nod, 'Good boy,' when forced to go

My motive when I say hello
When off to swim I come and go
My physical and mental rule -
They'll watch if I drown in the pool!

But now that I've got in the habit
I do it like a programmed rabbit
My ritual's part of the scene
To leave it out looks odd and mean

The lady on security
Most days will answer waves from me
Today, head down, she was busy
That problem left me in a tizzy

Today she did not see me wave
I wondered if I ought to save
My bright, friendly, goodwill greeting
For another morning's meeting

But I decided it was no
I won't walk on, let this chance go
I shouted, 'Hello!' then, 'Good morning!'
She looked up, smiled, light was dawning

It worked. I felt good. Told you so
Never neglect to say hello
Greet neighbours as you walk along
It helps you feel that you belong.

I met a sweeper in the hall
Moving the dirt from wall to wall
He didn't have a mobile phone
He waved his mop, all alone

Today I added, "How've you bin?"
Got answered with a gap-toothed grin
He didn't have a lot to say
But I could tell I'd made his day.

'Not what you know but who you know'
Never neglect to say, 'Hello!'
-ends-
copyright Angela Lansbury 2020 Jan 24 Just before Chinese New Year