Gossip

G-O-S-S-I-P
That much dreaded word
buzzed around her head
like an annoying fly
that won’t go away.

She risked a glance back
and saw people clustering around,
whispering behind their hands
nasty nothings
complete with a subtle dash of sarcasm.

Everywhere she went,
an abrupt conversation stopper she becomes.
For even they know
that it is impolite,
even rude,
to talk about someone
when that particular person
is present herself.

This endless verbal abuse
has tortured her frail mind, fragile body.
Months, weeks, days of suffering
finally made her snap.

Enough was enough!
No more, she pleaded
as a last resort
with her big sorrowful eyes
but all she got in return
were sneers, smirks and jeers.

A broken girl,
she climbed up the forbidden stairs
to a forbidden end.
No one ran after her.
No one stop her.
For they did not know enough
to even care.

She stood on the uppermost floor.
The wind teased her tangled hair
Tears smeared her once perfect makeup.
Was this it? she asked herself.

Ugly thoughts stiffened her resolve.
She stood upright on the banister
like a proud haughty queen
with her beautiful tresses blowing in the wind,
oblivious to the tiny coloured dots
pointing up at her.

In a flash, she jumped.
Soared down like an ill-used angel,
her white dress streaming against her
desperate to escape from
the ugly realities
of an ugly world.
And finally all was ended for her
with a piercing thump.