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.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Slaughter Avatar
March 25, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Oh so true, Irene. I recently had to "learn" a new one to be able to unlock my apartment door.
Wolf Avatar
March 24, 2025 at 8:29 PM
2 - 8 - 2 Hike. Watch out, Ilene. Here come those 300-lb. defensive lineman who identify as 'girls.' lol.
Flood Avatar
March 24, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Garrrh! My brain hurts. I came up with a system for passwords some time ago and I use it religiously. Alas, I now have apps using passwords from earlier systems, some from my present system and some from when I had no system. Remembering passwords? Dead easy… if I can only remember what system I used at the time. A fun but o so true write, Ilene.
Wolf Avatar
March 24, 2025 at 8:31 PM
For me, it's no problem, Terry. I know the value of Pi to 67 digits by heart. So that's what I use. Easy-shmeasy. Of course, I lie a lot. lol.
Rigoler Avatar
March 24, 2025 at 7:06 AM
As my age increases, / so too my ability to remember decreases / where I put my car keys / my wallet and other things like these / that create daily anxieties. / Maurice
Andresen Avatar
March 24, 2025 at 5:11 AM
Codes and passwords have become a nightmare ... I forget them ... write them down ... but can't find the notes ... before I remembered a bunch of phone numbers ... today I barely remember my own :))) - hugs
Mckeithan Avatar
March 23, 2025 at 4:11 PM
So true Ilene. Well said. Too complicated any more
Allison Avatar
March 23, 2025 at 2:46 PM
it is scary how accounts can be hacked into so passwords are important - best to keep them noted down in a book or somewhere as its wise to change them ... and i do forget them too lol as ever a fabulous and witty poem Ilene:-) hugs jan xx
Jones Avatar
March 23, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Cute and so true!
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