I AM GOSSIP

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, when you repeat a story, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it fair? Is it necessary? If not, do not repeat it.

KEEP QUIET!