Three Steps on Each Ladder

A person, a thought, a book
The audition, the voice, the hook
The water, the pail, the thirst
A child, an appendix, a burst
A little bar-hopping, a little dancing, a little seed
Some wealth, some power, some greed
Parents, hands, abuse
Two cars, one drunk, no excuse
Over-population, few morsels, no dinner
Two countries, one fight, no winner
Pregnant, drugs, retardation
Earth, color, segregation
No weapons, no threats, no fear
A good idea, a good speaker, a good ear.