Plainly Speaking

Certain things are just not said, When we're in certain comp'ny. Words and phrases seldom heard, Are often looked at funny. No longer is good common sense, The rule of thumb, the norm, So often plainly spoken words, Will take on different form; 'Cause most folks just don't listen, To what is being said, And oft the words go rattling 'round. Inside an empty head; Then they draw their own conclusions, Concerning what you said, Even though they've not a clue, The story they will spread. If what you hear sounds strange to you, The facts a little off, Consider who you're talking to, Before you laugh and scoff, At someone you may barely know, If in fact at all, And what you heard is hearsay, Just gossip all in all. When others speak, just listen, And make sure you understand. Keep your mind upon the topic, Don't short change your fellow man. Remember to speak plainly, Not to be misunderstood, And remember too that gossip, Don't do anybody good. (Have you ever noticed that those who talk the most are usually the ones who have little else to do? And often they really don't know much more than we do. My grandmother used to say the dog on the shortest chain does the most barking.)