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Three Old Crows

Three old crows were standing head-to-head Conversing in the hallway between the classes Wondering who they were dissing, with dread, I knew fellow teachers they thought jacka**es, And, occasionally, I had been on their hit list Every workplace has a similar gossipy klatch If they suddenly vanished, they’d not be missed They liked nothing better than a pis*ing match. I made a practice to stay clear of their clucking I’ve never enjoyed putting other people down, While some people enjoy what I call mucking Their favored pastime, a proverbial knockdown. I prefer spending my time building others up Helping those out who are having a rough time, Avoiding those who engage in childish trollop While adhering to my chosen ethical paradigm. Written July 5, 2022

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 7/11/2022 9:07:00 PM

"Avoiding those who engage in childish trollop" - Me too Hank, me too! This had such a ring of truth all the way through.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/11/2022 9:35:00 PM

Thanks, Caren. Pretty common among elementary school teachers.

Bill Baker

Date: 7/7/2022 3:53:00 PM

I agree with your thoughts completely. Put the energy where it will help the most. Bill

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/7/2022 5:04:00 PM

Thanks, Bill. By all means!

Michael Tor

Date: 7/7/2022 2:21:00 PM

Milton I appplaud you for being the better person. We all know these Crows are in every work place in society. Boy could I share many stories on this topic. I will write a story on one in the near future. Thanks for the inspiration...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/7/2022 2:56:00 PM

You are quite welcome, Michael. I suspect we all have stories like this that we could tell.

Jenna Logan

Date: 7/7/2022 9:46:00 AM

Your point is very well made. There are times when I feel one old crow caws enough of her mucking until she shows herself to be the jackass. The redundancy of her nasty habit continues in childish refrain. It happens in workplaces, poetry sites...

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/7/2022 10:24:00 AM

Oh, how true, Jenna. How true. Thanks for the read and the comment.

Shirley Hawkins

Date: 7/6/2022 6:09:00 PM

They gossip for gossip's sake!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/6/2022 6:44:00 PM

I'd say they do, Shirley. Definitely! (laughing)

Terry Flood

Date: 7/6/2022 3:31:00 PM

What is it they say? If you’ve got nothing constructive to say… say nothing. It has to be said that there’s been times in my life when I’ve opted for the latter. Well observed write, Milt. Terry

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/6/2022 3:54:00 PM

Me, too, Terry. But, I have to admit that sometimes I've said my piece and have been happier for it. I think you just have to weigh each situation. I've noticed the old crows often start whispering campaigns about absolutely nothing worthwhile. Thanks for your thought-provoking comment.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 7/6/2022 2:20:00 PM

well said, milton! there will always be those who enjoy putting others down, especially in groups, like your "three old crows."

L Milton Hankins
Date: 7/6/2022 3:20:00 PM

Unfortunately, this is true, Ilene. I'm sure you encountered them in your teaching career. Thanks for the thoughtful comment.