Prelude To Gossip

The Good Book says gossip causes much harm. But amongst the local folk that did not stop it. The tattlers wanted their guilty hearts to be calm. They began each rumor attack with a holy topic. Humble, saintly words that try to soften the blow. Words used to sweeten this kind of chatty toss-up, “Blest her heart”, or “Bless his heart, you know” Little pious phrases called a “Prelude to Gossip”. “Bless her heart!” Her hair looked like a rat’s nest. “Bless her heart!” Her man spent time in the pen. “Bless her heart!” That dated dress needed a press. She’s one of the sweetest ladies we’ve ever seen! Sunday, the preacher spoke against this blight. They resounded with a loud and hearty “Amen.” For the people all understood he was right. Soon the “Prelude to Gossip” was heard again. Humble, saintly words that try to soften the blow. Words used to sweeten this kind of chatty toss-up, “Blest her heart”, or “Bless his heart, you know” Little pious phrases called a “Prelude to Gossip”. “Bless his heart! He is in debt way over his head. “Bless his heart!” In trouble with the law at fifteen. “Bless his heart!” His wife buys week old bread. One of the finest men this town has ever seen!” Bless their hearts, Circled up, elbow to elbow again, Whispering about the finest folk this town has ever seen.