QUARANTINE LIFE: POETRY PROMPT---NOSY

A facebook group post reminded me of a poem I wrote in 2009 in response to a bizarre, out-of-the-blue phone call I'd received. 

Have you ever felt like you were being interrogated? 

I laugh about it now. 

It takes a certain boldness, and a bit of clueless-ness to mind another person's business, or assume you have the right to personal information other than your own. 

I suppose some people simply aren't aware of how inappropriate or intrusive they are. Unless you stop them mid sentence and tell them, they'll think you don't mind being grilled. 

The Mrs. Kravitz character on "Bewitched" was a source of humor and pity, but we all know someone like her--always digging, searching, and sniffing for something to tell.

There's a sense of entitlement that motivates someone to pick up the phone and launch into a round of Twenty Questions. 

You wonder what they're going to do with the information once they obtain it--if you're silly enough to spill it. 

My grandmother used to say, "A dog that will bring a bone, will carry one". 

I detect no lies in her philosophy. 

There are some people you can confide in, because trust has been proven over time; others, you'd do well to just discuss the time and weather. 

Of course, the most proficient way to keep your business out of the streets, is to keep it to yourself. 

Caller ID is your friend, too.

The pandemic has created distance, and put many relationships on pause. Social media has helped to fill in gaps and keep people connected. 

The pandemic has also brought people out of the woodwork who "just want to see how you're doing". 

There's no harm in that. 

It's actually nice to be thought of, but boundaries are set for a reason. 

You should know by now who's like a secured vault, who can't keep wet in water, and who is akin to Niagara Falls when it comes to their discretion skills. 

Wisdom, experience, and discernment let you know what's safe to share with whom, and what to keep to yourself. 

There's nothing like hearing or being told what you supposedly said, thought, or felt, when you know you haven't uttered a single word. 

This season has probably been an awful time for controlling, bossy, gossipy, messy, and nosy people who were accustomed to having even limited access to others. 

For others, it's been a breath of fresh air. 

It's probably been, not only a time to reflect, learn a new skill, or finish a neglected project, but a wonderful respite from busybodies.

NOSY

Some people call just to see how you are
Some people call with sincere concern
Some people call just to share a good word
Some people call to be nosy

Some call to buffer the sting of bad news

Some call with plans of some fun thing to do

Some call just 'cause they really love you

Some people call to be nosy

Concern has a way that's loving and sweet

There's no way to hide it

You know

Nosy just comes with malicious intent

Faking its way as it goes

Mama said, "Hush if you can't find the good"

Can't see myself doing what's so out of line!

What do I want with affairs that aren't mine?

Why are are some people so nosy?

Concern has a way that's loving and sweet

There's no way to hide it

You know

Nosy just comes with malicious intent

Faking its way as it goes

Just can't bring myself to be nasty or mean

Is there a response that's somewhere in between

"Mind your damn business", and just not being seen?

There must be a way, I'm supposing

To be gracious when faced with The Nosy