Everyone has a mind
But
Not everyone uses it

How do you know
If your thoughts
Are the product of the expression
Of your independent mentality
Or
If you’re just a parakeet
A house animal who
Repeats the words and opinions
Of those around you
That have trained you to mimic them

How do you know if you’ve reached
Enlightenment
Are you truly able to think for yourself
Or do you rely on the thoughts
Of others
More than your own
Because you don’t have any originality
Since you’ve never exercised it before