Living
Pessimist and Optimist
From Modern American Poetry (1921)
Living
This one sits shivering in Fortune’s smile,
Taking his joy with bated, doubtful breath.
This other, gnawed by hunger, all the while
Laughs in the teeth of Death.
Cite this poem
MLA
Aldrich, Thomas Bailey. “Pessimist and Optimist.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/aldrich_tb/3/.
Chicago
Aldrich, Thomas Bailey. “Pessimist and Optimist.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/aldrich_tb/3/.
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