And as I hesitated, 
He tapped softly on the door 
And whispered through the keyhole 
As he'd often done before. 

He said, "I'll help you hold your grudge, 
I'll help you sing the blues, 
It seems like all your folks and friends 
have turned their backs on you." 

He said, "You've been misunderstood, 
Mistreated and maligned. 
I'll help you cry your heart out 
If you'll let me come inside." 

But I kept my windows fastened 
And my doors securely closed, 
For I knew I'd be the loser 
If I let him take control.

For negative thoughts can multiply 
And crowd the positives out 
And make the mind a cesspool 
Of anxiety and doubt. 

And so I told the negative thought 
I could not let him in. 
He went his way, but I am sure 
That he'll return again. 

But no more will I greet him 
With a welcome or a smile 
And never will I entertain him 
Even for awhile. 

I'll fill my mind with positive thoughts 
And on the door install 
a sign which reads, "DO NOT DISTURB" 
when negative comes to call.

For tho' he knocks a thousand times 
And yet, a thousand more 
He cannot dominate my mind
if I don't open the door. 

- Author Unknown -