The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind. ~ William Blake

When I went to “New Judges’ School”
I was told to “Rule and run”
to be consistent, predictable,
to not sit there wishy-washy,
ambivalent, obviously ignorant,
flying by the seat of my pants.
I made that my rule but added “except.”
If I chose the wrong and on research
became sure I’d ruled in error
and if that mistake would change
the decision in the case,
I admitted publicly, explaining.
If I was wrong but it was slight
or of questionable importance
I remembered for the next time,
learning, growing. And I grew.