Beauty

"What is beauty?  Where is it to be found?" the pessimist mused.
"Beauty? - 'Tis to be found all about you!" the optimist enthused.
"For example, nothing will warm the soul or better yet beguile,
Than the beauty in the purity of a little child's smile!"

"But that is such an ordinary thing", the pessimist declared.
"Ah, but simple things hold untold beauty", the optimist shared.
"Look upon the beauty of the earth after a gently falling rain;
Do not the flowers bloom, enhancing the beauty of His domain?"

"I'll grant you that, but tell me more", the pessimist stated.
"Look for inner beauty in others", the optimist related.
"Gaze upon the beauty of our elders, their faces lined with care;
Is there anything more glorious than their silvery crown of hair?"

"You strike me as a learned philosopher", the pessimist allowed.
"No, I simply search for beauty in all things", the optimist avowed.
"Like the water's hymn as it plays its theme upon a flowing creek,
And the beauty of life and love - these are the things I seek!"

"Tell me, is it too late to change my view?" the pessimist sighed.
"Nay, 'tis never too late to start anew!" the optimist replied.
"Beauty and treasure abounds awaiting your full appreciation,
From the merest to the mightiest of God's magnificent Creation!"

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
(© All Rights Reserved)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Romios Avatar
July 3, 2022 at 5:39 PM
Congratulations on winning this contest. Much needed vision in this world today. Well crafted! Good job. Pangie xxx
Guzzi Avatar
August 8, 2013 at 6:14 PM
Right ON! Bob nice to being reading your uplifting verse this eve. Congrad's on your win, Light & Love
Bauer Avatar
August 8, 2013 at 2:41 PM
this is both philosophical and wise, bob! i enjoyed the way you wove the two points of view together. congrats on making the winners' list!
Hamilton Avatar
August 8, 2013 at 10:18 AM
a poem of hope its lovely Robert congrats on win Shadow x smiles
Onclaud Avatar
August 7, 2013 at 9:50 PM
love this, robert.. you can be funny, mellow , and dramatic.. this is different from your usual style.. congrats!..: huggs
A   Avatar
August 7, 2013 at 9:32 AM
Good morning Bob H., , Congratulations! :-) :-) thank you for making my day a nice one... When you have time enjoy the winners and my beautiful blog * Called "Title That Reminds Me Of You" http://www.poetrysoup.com/poetry_blogs/blog_detail.aspx?BlogID=15763&PoetID=18720 ...always & forever *LINDA :-) ***
Jordan Avatar
March 21, 2013 at 10:14 PM
Very fine writing, Bob! Congratulations. Jack
Ryerson Avatar
March 21, 2013 at 5:38 AM
The Sage or the Soup strikes again!...This is just wonderful Bob and congratulations are DEFINITELY in order ...'Like the water's hymn as it plays its theme upon a flowing creek'...Wow - Tim
Jerden Avatar
March 20, 2013 at 10:47 AM
Great win! Congratulations, Bob! Great thoughts!
A   Avatar
March 19, 2013 at 5:42 PM
Hello Bob H., your poem is lovely... congratulations with your winning poem~ always* PD
May Avatar
March 19, 2013 at 4:50 PM
great write and win...congrats
Bauer Avatar
March 19, 2013 at 8:38 AM
don't know how i missed this one, bob! it's wonderful and so deserving of your big win. congratulations on a very clever and wise poem...
Brown Avatar
June 2, 2010 at 11:18 AM
Congratulations on your win in Nathan's contest Robert. It was an honor to share a place with so many talented poets in the contest. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
June 2, 2010 at 6:01 AM
Hey Bob more congrats in order for your HM in Nathan's contest with this great write on the theme of the contest... keep them cranking out and winning poems coming on .. so enjoyed this one and feel the essence of the poem too.. with luv from the "Sweetheart"...shall we have a victory dance?
Guzzi Avatar
February 19, 2010 at 10:12 AM
Smile such a provocative verse! You have soup mail! Light & Love
Slaughter Avatar
January 14, 2010 at 10:37 AM
Wow! That was truly, truly, a beautifully written and creative piece of work! I also added it as one of my favorite poems! Regards, Sena
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace