(Was in a discussion the other day and got accused of having a closed mind simply because I didn't agree with them. I pointed out that as a reasoned response it was a pretty nonsensical argument that could be said from either side and proved nothing.

BUT it did get me to thinking about this whole open mind / closed mind label people like to run around sticking on others. And it inspired this little poem about this fictious young fella.

For the record though I like to believe my mind is neither open nor closed, rather it is controlled. I control what goes in and what comes out.)

I knew a young fella,
Sound of mind, clear of doubt
Of demeanour sober
And of faith devout.

And he had a job
And he had a wife,
The respect of his peers
And a heart full of life.

‘Til one day a man came by
Clothes shabby, glasses dark.
Held nothing sacred
And thought life a lark.

And he said to the fella
Your as straight as a dye
Don’t ever question
Just bought the lie.

To open a closed mind
Here’s what you need
And he gave him a match
And he gave him a weed.

So he stuck it in his face
And he puffed and puffed
Pretty soon he was hooked
Then he couldn’t get enough.

Then it wasn't free
And he’d lie and steal
And do anything he could
Just to make another deal.

And he gained some trouble
And he gained some strife,
And he lost his job
And he lost his wife.

And I had to conclude
That without a doubt
He had opened his mind...
And let his brains fall out!

D.J. Ludlow, Copyright 2003.