A quick whisper in the dark,

A couple turns around the park, "I'll tell you what Jane told me,"

Sue said, "Jim said…was seen by Mary Lee."

Throw a pebble into a pond,

Watch the ripples move on and on

Gossip repeated, be it false or fact,

Can never, never be brought back..

The tongue, a small fire--oh! My yes,

But what destruction and distress;

A careless word dropped here and there

Sputters and flickers, then quickly flare.

Small faults, like flames whipped by a wind

Soon mount into a major sin,

Told and retold, self-righteous pride,

Another victim crucified.