For all you baby journalists and old burnouts, an original poem sent my way by the vivacious Jennifer Wagner of Taking Down Words.

She's another Star refugee, a survivor, a tough cookie, and she knows the lay of the land...

"First they came for the extra pens and notepads

but I did not speak out because I had enough pens and notepads to get by.

Then they came for the free coffee

but I did not speak out because I drink tea.

Then they came for the traditional newsroom ethics

but I did not speak out because I needed my job.

Then they came for my soul,

but I was too defeated to protest."

FYI, the day I left, a very fine reporter said to me, truth to power: "Hey when you turn in your badge at security, be sure to get your soul back."

Contact me at ruth@ruthholladay.com