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If you won’t laugh,
you’ll have to leave the playground.

If you won’t work,
you can’t sit at this table.

If you won’t pray,
you’ll have to leave the church.

If you won’t sing,
you’ll have to leave the group

If you won’t dance,
you won’t be invited to the wedding.

If you won’t listen,
you’ll end up with a briefcase of only your ideas.

If you won’t talk,
you’ll have to leave this house.

If you don’t vote,
you’ll have to stop all that complaining.

If you only buy vanilla, chocolate and strawberry,
you’ll never taste chocolate chip ice cream.

If you don’t sacrifice,
you’ll never know.

If you don’t open doors,
you’ll never get out.

If you don’t get into the boat,
you’ll never taste the open sea.

If you are a poor loser,
you can’t play cards around here.

If you don’t lower your nets,
you’ll never make a catch.

If you won’t love,
you’ll never find God.

© Andrew Costello, Listenings, 1980