Notes About The Poem

"EVEN A FOOL WHEN HE HOLDETH HS PEACE IS COUNTED WISE AND HE THAT SHUTTETH HIS LIPS IS ESTEEMED A MAN OF UNDERSTANDING."

 

Idle Talk

People make assumptions,
And that's not always good.
Instead of thinking just the best,
As one another should.

They'll often add to what you've said,
The thoughts in their own minds,
Changing what you meant to say,
To something less than kind;

Giving what you meant in jest,
An unfamiliar ring,
And something really innocent,
Becomes another thing.

It's easy to assume a thing,
And then go spread the story,
But when you do you carry tales,
And cause much undue worry.

Concocting things from what you've heard,
Is such a petty pastime.
It serves us well to check our thoughts,
And bring them all back in line.

Remember, don't believe the things,
That sometimes you will hear,
For truth or lie, it matters not,
The price you'll pay is dear;

For those who spread about such news,
Have naught to do but lobby.
Perhaps we should suggest to them,
That they pursue a hobby.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Maverick Avatar
July 7, 2022 at 2:19 PM
LOL))) Good thoughts Judy.'
Romios Avatar
June 3, 2022 at 8:19 AM
Sage advice, Judy, Panagiota e
Romios Avatar
June 3, 2022 at 8:18 AM
Sage advice, Judy, Panagiota
Proxenos Avatar
June 1, 2022 at 12:21 PM
I love this poem and I especially enjoyed your concluding verse, so clever, so apt and so perfectly true. Well penned Judy my friend, Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Ball Avatar
June 2, 2022 at 5:20 PM
Thank you so much Jennifer. God Bless, JB
Situation Avatar
May 31, 2022 at 5:12 PM
Straight to the point. Or is it what your discribing in this piece?
Wolf Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 8:42 PM
Send this to Oprah and all the other talk show 'artists' who encourage(d) people to do their dirty laundry in public and/or open their big fat mouths whenever the urge hit them. So much for 'discretion.' You've delivered a message much-needed which today goes unheeded.
Ball Avatar
May 31, 2022 at 1:31 AM
Thank you so much Gershon. God Bless, JB
Kiser Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 2:34 PM
Oh yes, I agree, well crafted write.
Ball Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 5:19 PM
Thank you so much my friend. God Bless, JB
Mcconnell Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 12:07 PM
Lovely piece penned excellently Judy, with great rhyme and flow with good imagery too. Hope things are well with you, blessings always,Gordon
Ball Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 5:14 PM
Thank you so much my friend. God Bless, JB
Buehler Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 9:28 AM
If your advice was followed, this world would be happier, Judy. Carrying tales and listening to them are equally bad. Have a nice day, Evelyn :)
Ball Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 5:11 PM
Gossip is one of my pet peeves and I have written several poems about carrying tales. The way I see it the only ones who should carry a tail is an animal. Thanks bunches my friend. God Bless, JB
Seeker Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 8:48 AM
An inane pastime, no doubt, best avoid gossip mongers
Ball Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 4:48 PM
Thank you so much Seeker. God Bless JB
Cunningham Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 5:15 AM
Good advice Judy, I live by the, if you've nothing good to say about anyone then keep it shut. Tom
Ball Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 5:28 AM
My mom used to say that too. Too bad she couldn't practice what she preached. There is an old saying that goes: "The tongue is a two edged sword that swings both ways and if you aren't carful you can cut yourself to death with it." Thanks bunches, God Bless, JB
Buhagiar Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 2:02 AM
Good advice. Alas not always followed.
Ball Avatar
May 30, 2022 at 5:18 AM
Thank you so much Victor. God Bless, JB
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace