So, you’ve heard this about me, or, you’ve heard that about me,
Well, isn’t that interesting, though incorrect, predictably.
Now, if you had sought me out, yes, if you had checked with me,
You would have soon discovered, that what you heard, was faulty.

Though I shouldn’t worry about what any may say of me,
It’s sad if they say wrong things, and you become, an accessory.
Yes, aiding and abetting, what you just assume is true,
Is foolish to say the least, and something you could well rue.

It could be it’s partly true, half true, even almost true,
But it’s that part that isn’t, that a lot of harm could do.
It’s always better to check, with the one that it’s about,
Or simply not repeat it, and err on the side of doubt.

So many reputations, are ruined because of talk —
Yes, pure and simple gossip, which away from, all should walk.
Often someone’s turn-around, is torpedoed in its tracks,
Because of a false rumour, or distorting of the facts.

“I heard it on the grapevine,” are words from a song I’ve heard,
And how true it proves to be, along with, what’s overheard.
It’s time that this old grapevine, was taken to, with secateurs,
Or better still, uprooted, ’midst loud claps and hearty cheers.

“Don’t speak ill of the dead,” they say, yet, the living attack,
Via their poisonous gossip, behind someone else’s back.
While we should respect the dead, let’s respect the living too,
And stop this dreadful gossip, lest we slander, or good undo.

It’s time the old rumour-mill, was stopped from grinding away,
It’s better that we approach those of whom such things they say.
Yes, ignore, or check it out — get it from the horse’s mouth,
And then you might stop the truth, from soon disappearing south.

We welcome your comments:

Painting by Mary T. Hoffman - God's Creation in Art

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