I am Gossip

Loved this poem from the Rector's Ramblings:

My name is Gossip.
I have no respect for justice.
I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives.

I am cunning, 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 am nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same.
I topple governments and wreck marriages. I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches and indigestion. I spawn suspicion and generate grief.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows. Even my name hisses.

I am called GOSSIP.
Office gossip,
Shop gossip,
Party gossip,
Telephone gossip.

I make headlines and headaches.
REMEMBER, you repeat a story, ask yourself: is it true? Is it fair? Is it necessary?? If not, do not repeat it. KEEP QUIET.
GREAT minds discuss ideas.. Average minds discuss events.. Shallow minds discuss people.. Which are you . . . ?

Anon