Popularizing Rumors
Lawrence S. Pertillar 1947 (Connecticut)
Don't pick anybody.
Pick a busy body.
Known quick to spread a rumor heard.
No matter how ridiculous it may be.
To whisper it in confidence,
Slowly in their inviting ear.
And to make this whisper,
As interesting as it can be.
With it done to include yourself.
Ensuring it controversial.
Too juicy and delicious.
Then let it marinate.
Until their eyes open wide.
Knowing what you have done,
Will be quickly popularized.
'I am so glad I ran into you like this!
You have no idea,
What to you I wish to confess.
But promise me you won't tell,
Anyone else.'
'OH you know me.
Nothing you say to me leaves.
And stays just between us.'
'I'm counting on it.
Ssshhh.
Come closer.
Which ear do you prefer?'
'Test my right ear first.
The left I use,
When conducting personal business...
At home on my telephone.'
'Fantastic.
This is a day,
We will both keep remembered.
Well, anyway...
You won't believe who I saw,
Getting out of a cab the other night.
When I was just about to go to bed.
Prepared for a peaceful and quiet sleep.'
'Who?
Who was it?
Continue.
Please!'
'To then hear this knock on my door.'
'Who was it who was it?'
'Someone who preaches at a local church!'
'No way!?'
'Yes way!'
'Why? For what?
And then what happened?'
'All I will say is this...
After breakfast we both confessed,
Our sins.
And...
You will not believe this, but...
After we committed our sins,
We tried our best...
Not to do that again!
Since my walls are thin.
And, I knew the neighbors were listening!'
'I don't believe this at all.'
'Neither do I.
That's why,
I want you to keep this to yourself.'
'OH, I will.
Who else would believe such nonsense?'
'I know I didn't.
That's why I confided in you.'
'Now you know,
This is just between us.
Where is the church?
And what is the name,
Of that disgusting preacher?'
'I can't tell you that.
You know how people,
These days like to make up stuff!'
'Whew...I gotta go!'
'Why the rush?'
'Business.
I've got to take care of some business.'
'I understand.
You know me.
I ain't trying to get into it either.
Call me when you get a chance.
Whenever you find the time.'
'Remember that church we attended,
When we were children?'
'Of course I do.
Why would you mention that?
So much has changed since then!'
'Yes.
Yes it has.
Oh well.
You have a good day!
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Submitted by lpahtillah on July 09, 2021
Modified on March 05, 2023
- 2:10 min read
- 7 Views
Quick analysis:
Scheme | AABACX DAEFGXXHX IXJKX AXG LCDD XXGX XMBMXXXX NLNX X L O PQ IRSQPSRTXX X UUE XX XN VGOXD WFX V X GG XADXX XH NWT JXKM |
---|---|
Closest metre | Iambic trimeter |
Characters | 2,173 |
Words | 449 |
Stanzas | 26 |
Stanza Lengths | 6, 9, 5, 3, 4, 4, 8, 4, 1, 1, 1, 2, 10, 1, 3, 2, 2, 5, 3, 1, 1, 2, 5, 2, 3, 4 |
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"Popularizing Rumors" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 Jun 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/104601/popularizing-rumors>.
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