Broken Gossip

Even small lies can have big consequences.

Mercy was stressed,

knowing not what to do.

She held all the secrets

for the town of Karu.

Here is where travelers

rested their head.

The town showed their joy,

sharing love to be spread

But the queen, she did die.

A new ruler needed naming

Many wanted that power,

to win, started shaming.

Mercy was the keeper

of a fine little box,

holding the towns meanness

behind many locks.

The secrets were varied,

mostly made up of lies.

If the gods heard their rumors,

they’d break all ties

Losing ties with the gods,

would make them all fall.

No longer there’d be greenery,

or laughter for all.

The towns people ignored

the all telling storm,

that foreshadowed the coldness

That would be the norm.

Mercy held the box tightly,

wishing it safe in the blast.

But the gods were so angry

she knew it shan’t last last.

The box broke on the ground;

gossiping voices did scatter.

The gods screamed with their fury,

causing all their windows to shatter.

Their roofs caught on fire.

Their songbirds did stop.

All because of gossip,

and wanting to be on top.

Mercy she pleaded,

to the gods, “save the town.”

Begging for clemency

and a chance to rebound.

Each person would promise

to always be kind,

refusing to gossip

and to love all mankind.

The gods did agree

To this friendly new rule,

but warned with one lie

the punishment would be cruel.

Now Karu is brimming

with bliss, love and laughter.

If a person is to gossip,

they’ll be banned ever after.

This story reminds us

To only speak truth

Don’t lie about others

It’s incredibly uncouth.