Did Douglas Malloch write a poem called Hearsay?

Answer 1

HEARSAY

Douglas Malloch

In every town, in every street,

In nearly every house you meet

A little imp who wriggles in

With half a sneer and half a grin

And climbs up on your rocking chair

Or creeps upon you anywhere

And when he gets you very dear

He just whispers something in your ear

Some rumour of another's shame

And Little Hearsay is his name

He never really claims to know

He's only heard that it's so

And then he whispers it to you

So you will go and whisper too

For if enough will pass along

The rumour even though it's wrong

If John tells Henry, and Henry Joe

And Joe tells Mary, and Mary Flo,

And Flo tells Mildred, and Mildred Ruth

It very soon may pass for truth

You understand, this little elf

He doesn't say he knows himself

He doesn't claim it's really true

He only whispers it to you

Because he knows you'll go and tell

Some other whisperer as well

And so before the setting sun

He gets the devil's mischief done

And there is less of joy and good

Around your little neighbourhood

Look out for Hearsay when he sneaks

Inside the house and slander speaks

Just ask for proof in every case

Just ask the name and date and place

And if he says he only heard

Declare you don't believe a word

And tell him you will not repeat

The silly chatter of the street

However gossips smile and smirk

Refuse to do the devil's work