You Must Be New To This Neighborhood Poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar

What's going on over there?

'The usual backstabbing.
Backbiting.
He said, she said nonsense.'

That's awful.
If they really knew each other,
None of that would exist.

'Oh...
But they do.'

What are you saying?

'They are family members and friends.
Now...
Those walking along and minding their own business.
And treating each other as if they have some sense,
Are the ones that haven't met each other yet.
See how cordial they are to one another?
You must be new to this neighborhood.'