Gossip

“Gossip”

I have no respect for justice.
I maim without killing.
I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cruel and malicious
and gather strength with age

The more I am quoted,
the more I am believed.
I flourish at every level of society.
My victims are helpless.
They cannot protect themselves
against me because
I have no name and no face.

To track me down is impossible.
The harder you try,
the more elusive I become.
I’m nobody’s friend.

Once I tarnish a reputation,
it is never the same.
I topple governments
and ruin marriages.
I ruin careers and
cause sleepless nights,
Heartache, and indigestion.

I spawn suspicion
and generate grief.
I make innocent people
cry in their pillows.
Even my name hisses.

I, AM GOSSIP