I am NOBODY'S friend!

I have no respect for justice.
I maim without killing.
I break hearts and ruin lives.
I am cruel and malicious
and gather strength with age.
The more I am quoted,
the more I am believed.

I flourish at every level of society.
My victims are helpless.
They cannot protect themselves
against me because
I have no name and no face.
To track me down is impossible.
The harder you try,
the more elusive I become.

I am nobody's friend.
Once I tarnish a reputation,
It is never the same.
I topple governments and ruin marriages.
I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights,
heartaches, indigestion.
I spawn suspicion and generate grief.
I make innocent people cry in their pillows.

Even my name hisses.
I'm called gossip--
Office gossip,
Shop gossip,
Party gossip.
I make headlines and headaches.
Before you repeat a story, ask yourself:
It is true?
Is it fair?
Is it necessary?
If not, THEN SHUT THE FUCK UP!