I wrote this poem for the Writing Club prompt of ‘open’, and I think it holds a lesson for us all.

He tried password – it didn’t work;

He tried 1234.

He tried his place of birth but got

No further than before.

He tried his mother’s maiden name,

His father’s mother’s too;

He tried his first pet – and his last –

But still it wouldn’t do.

He tried first school, best friend, sports team,

His favourite teacher’s name;

He tried the street on which he lived;

It still came out the same.

He turned his back and looked about

And there, before his eyes,

Lay scattered stones of varied shape

And many a different size.

And in his bones he knew that

Under one would be the key;

He searched until he found the words

Say ‘Open Sesame’.

The magic words rolled back a rock

Revealing then the cave

Wherein should be his treasure

But like a new-dug grave

His hiding place was empty!

No sign of gold or jewel!

Some swines had swiped his precious things!

Oh, life could be so cruel.

Adding insult, cheeky thieves

Had left a note behind them.

It said, ‘Do not write your passwords down

Where anyone can find them.’