Pessimism, held too long inside,
Can kill the will to fight for truth,
Destroy all vestiges of youth,
And leave you with your life denied.

Pessimism gives no cheer,
Rallies not good men from fear,
Looks not for that one faint light
The hero holds against the night.

Pessimism sees the gloomy side
Before the start is well begun;
It gives no hope, can urge no pride,
Beholds the shade, but not the sun.

Pessimism has no joy to sing,
Is never free and easy, light;
It’s laughter has a hollow ring,
And it is sure of naught but night.