/*REXX program demonstrates that functions can be nested  (an outer and inner function).*/
ctr= 0                                           /*initialize the   CTR   REXX variable.*/
call MakeList '. '                               /*invoke  MakeList  with the separator.*/
exit 0                                           /*stick a fork in it,  we're all done. */
/*──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────*/
MakeItem: parse arg sep,text;    ctr= ctr + 1    /*bump the counter variable.           */
          say ctr  ||  sep  ||  word($, ctr)     /*display three thingys ───► terminal. */
          return
/*──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────*/
MakeList: parse arg sep; $= 'first second third' /*obtain an argument;  define a string.*/
                     do  while  ctr<3            /*keep truckin'  until  finished.      */
                     call MakeItem  sep, $       /*invoke the   MakeItem   function.    */
                     end   /*while*/
          return