Gossip
Is toxic.
Spreading rumours behind someone’s back
Is a form of attack
And excludes the presence and truth
Of the one targeted with its abuse.
It is aimed to be kept hidden
From the one towards which it is driven.
It can spread, escalate, and get twisted,
Become convoluted like Chinese Whispers,
Combine with stories and lies
And merge with labels on the side,
Which can damage someone’s life
Or destroy their reputation
Through its misrepresentation
And its slander, smear campaigning, bastardization, and defamation.
Gossip
Is toxic.