Gossip sticks like old sweat
That blossoms sourly
In the renewed heat
Of attention
As a name is mentioned.
And sure as a clock strikes hourly
The patterned rhythm of the lies
Paradiddles shocks and sighs
Scandal and scorn
Like that shabby gaberdine
Waiting in the closet unseen
To be dustily reworn.
The nothing at all that everyone knows
Dissimulates its invisible prose
And though you were never its destination
It returns to you as reputation.
.
Stephen A. Linstead
Picture Nick Victor
.