OPTIMISM.

I’ m no reformer; for I see more light

Than darkness in the world; mine eyes are quick

To catch the first dim radiance of the dawn,

And slow to note the cloud that threatens storm.

The fragrance and the beauty of the rose

Delight me so, slight thought I give its thorn;

And the sweet music of the lark’ s clear song

Stays longer with me than the night hawk’ s cry.

And e’ en in this great throe of pain called Life

I find a rapture linked with each despair,

Well worth the price of anguish. I detect

More good than evil in humanity.

Love lights more fires than hate extinguishes,

And men grow better as the world grows old.