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Optimistic White

We celebrate the optimist
Extolling his cheery ways
As the light shines upon him 
We think he's worthy of our praise

He seems to have the answers
With him the future's always bright
Convincing us that darkness
Is a form of blackened light

Not a thing seems to phase him
He surveys life from on high
Floating above the misery
With a twinkle in his eye

All the while the pessimist
Occupies a gloomy place
Warning us of the dangers
That none of us wish to face

We want rainbows and buttercups
A world that is cheerful and bright
We fear arbiters of darkness
For we think they will take our light

It's wise to listen carefully 
The pessimist might be right
Don't choose a veil of ignorance 
Dyed in Optimistic White

Copyright © Richard Lamoureux | Year Posted 2015

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Joe Maverick Date: 3/30/2015 6:24:00 PM Optimum effect here Richard, you do a good job of balancing the prejudiced pessimist against that great optimist in this write, really glad I stopped by..' Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/30/2015 8:46:00 PM Thanks Joe, it seems most strive to be the optimistic extrovert and in the process the introspective quiet ones are ignored.

Hannington Mumo Date: 3/28/2015 5:00:00 AM I have been reading your poems and appreciating the words without giving them much philosophical credit but this one has occasioned a turn-around. Welcome to the world of introspective and philosophical versification. Read my "The Poet's Ubiquity"...#7! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/30/2015 8:47:00 PM Thanks, I am off to have a look.

Emile Pinet Date: 3/25/2015 8:49:00 AM Your words and feelings leave their impression on the heart of the reader. Your poem gives us a glimpse of ourselves while reminding us truth lives in our hopes an well as our hearts. Emile. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/25/2015 10:03:00 AM Thanks Emile!

Rob Carmack Date: 3/24/2015 9:18:00 AM This poem reminds me of Ecclesiastes 1:18 (KJV). I like how you closed the poem. Excellent Quatrain. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/25/2015 10:04:00 AM Thanks Rob, ;0).

Arthur Vaso Date: 3/22/2015 10:29:00 AM Richard, You must have already guessed but I loved this one!! This is a poem one could discuss for hours on end, you have said so much, and in just right the way! A7 for me! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/22/2015 11:00:00 AM You are kind Arthur. I once had a friend tell me "You don't always have to smile to be happy!" somehow that has stuck with me and helped me to see beyond the surface.

Olive Eloisa Guillermo - Fraser Date: 3/22/2015 8:25:00 AM thick and well blended with Wisdom Richard.. :) did i get it right when I thought the first two stanza you are referring to God above? then the other one is human facing the weight of the world.. :)! //olive eloisa Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/22/2015 9:00:00 AM Interesting thought but no. In our society we always seem to place the optimist and extrovert in a very lofty position and fail to see the value of the quieter sometimes brooding personalities. I wanted to provide a different picture. There is often positive value in behaviors we naively view as negative.

Eileen Manassian Date: 3/22/2015 5:02:00 AM When you are optimistic...you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. It's not good to be glum...I agree. You've brought these two types into clear comparison here, Richard. It's a fantastic write...as are all your writes. I've posted a few new ones. Hugs Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/22/2015 9:02:00 AM Thanks Eileen, I will have a read. I just posted another one myself.

Andrea Dietrich Date: 3/21/2015 10:09:00 PM good one, Richard. Both kinds of attitudes have pros and cons. In the psychological test known as Color code, my personality is white so don't be too hard on the white ones (well it has nothing really to do with optimism but more about ways of dealing with other people!) Login to Reply

David Meade Date: 3/21/2015 10:05:00 PM Wise words -- a delicate balance of being positive without blinders but also not letting fear dominate our souls. Well done dear friend. 7 Login to Reply

Afroze Ali Date: 3/21/2015 7:20:00 PM Wow! what a well thought write Richard....Optimistic on the surface, a little pessimistic deep down inside...that's my way to go and keeps a balance in my stride. :) Login to Reply

Njeri Hunjeri Date: 3/21/2015 9:54:00 AM The last stanza is my favorite! Very well penned. Login to Reply

Monterey Sirak Date: 3/21/2015 8:52:00 AM Sorry Rick, I am going to wear my white veil of optimism and you will see it flowing behind me as I run around looking at the world through my rose colored glasses! If you look for the good often enough you just might find it. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/21/2015 9:02:00 AM Good for you! Hugs Rick.

Maurice Yvonne Date: 3/21/2015 5:14:00 AM Great write. Poignant to our times. Your pen walks a straight road. This is excellent Richard worthy of your wisdom and talent. Login to Reply

Eve Roper Date: 3/20/2015 9:17:00 PM Richard, I know that my goal in life is to always have the light to shine my way but I know that is impossible, so my prayers are said everyday to at least make it easy. Love your poem a 7 and blessings dear friend Eve Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/21/2015 1:14:00 AM Thanks Eve, blessings to you as well.

Tim Smith Date: 3/20/2015 3:17:00 PM I do like to look favorably on things and give everyone the benefit of doubt. Like you Richard I have been through a lot in life. I can see both point of views. I would have to say I am a realist. Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/21/2015 1:14:00 AM I think that is a good way to be Tim. :0)

Dr. Upma A. Sharma Date: 3/20/2015 12:21:00 PM True He can convince the whole world wid His ways so unique Richard! Beautiful last two stanzas! Login to Reply Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/21/2015 1:17:00 AM Thanks Upma, sometimes people assume the pessimist is a negative person but that often is not the case.

Charmaine Chircop Date: 3/20/2015 10:04:00 AM I think the best way in life is to be realistic ,not too optimistic yet not so pessimistic.Yes we need to be pessimistic enough to be wise,and optimistic enough to be hopeful and hsppy.Gray is the best shade I guess ,though plenty may consider it dull.Rick,I love those dandelions and buttercups.May your Spring be filled with them You are both wise and hopeful,that does bring us happiness here..Charms Login to Reply Charmaine Chircop Date: 3/20/2015 10:29:00 AM Same here : )..Maybe that is why the sun shines a bit more on your side and mine.There was a time in life when everything i saw was dandelions and buttercups,i believed everyone was so good..That was until I started working and meeting adults..Then I had to start thinking like an adult..Meaning not being too naive and be a little wiser..But yes i am still closer to fairyland than I am to the underworld.:.) Re lionel..He is awesome and has an amazing voice : ) Logging off soon.Husb is here..and inlaws are joining us for dinner later..So better go and cook that fish: ). OIts 4.30pm on the isle.Have a great day : ) Richard Lamoureux Date: 3/20/2015 10:18:00 AM Thanks Charmaine, I tend to occupy the middle ground with a slight leaning in the direction of rainbows and buttercups.