I see your front door's got two locks.

You say intruders prowl these parts,
go maskless, fearless,
shamelessly,

and bust into the place they want
and take without a second thought

since they cased every neighborhood
and tell the bad ones
from the good,

the empty threats,
fake warning signs,

"No Trespassing"
(as if that scared),

the tired barking in the yards
from dogs so old they'd never chase,

the falling fence,

the house of cards
that opens with the slightest blow.

You told me keep an "open mind,"
and, sure, it's fine,

but still I find
you'll want a really sturdy door,
some barrier between your world
and strangers waiting down the way
with bad ideas, a certain sway.

Now, no one's talking bolt and chains.
Just common sense.

I'm talking brains.

Don't close yourself,
but guard your key.

Why leave your mind unlocked,
you see?

You've got a lot to give or lose.

But it's your house.
You've got to choose.