Snatches
Snatches of gossip
Heard at distance
Is telescoped; hot
Air propels Rumour
The many tongued
Dread ole windbag.
Ladies of an age
When words wound,
And news is a dear
Commodity, trade
Like inmates their
Juiciest tales for
A currency more
Viable than cash:
A Casandra-like
Ability to predict.
Speculation, pride
In that knowledge
Which is beyond
State secrets; to know
Number 24's most
Mundane business.
Give me the old
Witches any day.
_______