Outlook

I stumbled upon this bit of prose & thought I’d stick it up here:

Outlook

Greed

    My life is full indeed of gloom.
    I’ve naught , you see, just this small room.
    I need more wealth – that’s misery.
    What joys in great renown! What glee!
    The mace and throne I long to own.
    No crown too grand for me alone.

Contentment

    My life is full indeed!
    Of gloom I’ve naught, you see.
    Just this small room I need.
    More wealth? That’s misery.
    What joy’s in great renown?
    What glee the mace and throne?
    I long to own no crown.
    Too grand for me alone.


The Pessimist

    That deep red rose – I see its thorn.
    I just ignore the scent that’s borne.
    To me it’s nothing. I deplore
    Those scratches that I got before.
    I just complain about the pain.
    A lot I think of beauty’s gain!

The Optimist

    That deep red rose I see,
    Its thorn I just ignore.
    The scent that’s borne to me –
    It’s nothing I deplore!
    Those scratches that I got –
    Before I just complain
    About the pain a lot,
    I think of beauty’s gain.


Degradation

    This skid row bum will win no more.
    He’ll strive and lose in his sad war.
    On gin he’s hooked – that demon booze!
    And now he’ll loudly sing the blues.
    He’s chased away all hope today.
    Will Spring have cheer? No – more decay.

Redemption

    This skid row bum will win!
    No more he’ll strive and lose.
    In his sad war on gin
    He’s hooked that demon booze.
    And now he’ll loudly sing,
    The blues he’s chased away.
    All hope today will spring:
    Have cheer – no more decay!

— Mary Youngquist

It’s all in the punctuation, and perspective. Or outlook.

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