NOBODY'S FRIEND
  
       My name is gossip.  I have no respect for justice.
       I maim without killing.  I break hearts and ruin lives.
       I am cunning 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 am 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 snd 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.
       Before you repeat a story, ask yourself,     
       IS IT TRUE?  IS IT FAIR?  IS IT NECESSARY?