Codes and Passwords

The combination lock I had

In high school, for the gym,

Would open with a special code;

Though memory’s grown dim…

 

I still remember: 2 – 8 – 2

Turn right, then left, then right,

Those numbers etched into my brain,

Which I can still recite.

 

Those were the only numbers that

I had to memorize

To access something locked away

(My sneakers, I’d surmise).

 

Yet nowadays, we have to learn

Numeric codes, as well

As passwords to protect us

From where hackers hide and dwell.

 

And each one should be different,

With 8 characters or more,

Some upper case, plus numbers

Or some symbols, por favor.

 

It also is expected that

Your brain will, on command,

Be able to cough up those codes

When apps make that demand.

 

Those years in school so long ago

Did not provide a clue

That some day my stuff would not be safe

With simply 2 – 8 – 2.