People Will Talk Poem by Bonnie Elizabeth Parker

Bonnie Parker wrote this poem, by Mary E. Harris, from memory with some cute substitutions, into her First National Bank Of Burkburnett Texas bank book, as the tenth of ten poems, during her stay in the Kaufman County Jail in April May and June 1932.


If you listen to all
That is said as you go
You may get through the world
But 'twill be pretty slow

You'll be worried and fretted
And kept in a ''stew''
For ''meddlesome tongues''
Must have something to do

''And people WILL talk''

If quiet and modest
You'll have it presumed
That your humble position
Is only assumed

You're a ''wolf in sheep's clothing''
Or else you're a ''fool''
But don't get excited
Keep perfectly cool

''For people WILL talk''

And then if you show
The least boldness of heart
Or a slight ''inclination''
To take your own part

They'll call you an ''upstart''
''Conceited and vain''
But keep right ahead
Don't stop to explain

''For people WILL talk''

If threadbare your dress
And old fashioned your hat
Someone will surely
Take notice to that

And hint rather strong
That you can't pay your way
But don't get excited
Whatever they say

''For people WILL talk''

If your dress is in fashion
Don't think you'll escape
For they criticize then
If it's a different shape

Your ahead of your ''means''
Or your tailor you don't pay
But mind your own business
Don't mind what they say

''For people WILL talk''

Now the best way to do
Is to do as you please
For your mind if you have one
Will then be at ease

Of course you will meet
With all sorts of abuse
But don't think to stop it
It is of NO use

END