We need a few more optimists, <br />The kind that double up their fists <br />And set their jaws, determined-like, <br />A blow at infamy to strike. <br />Not smiling men, who drift along <br />And compromise with every wrong; <br />Not grinning optimists who cry <br />That right was never born to die, <br />But optimists who'll fight to give <br />The truth an honest chance to live. <br /> <br />We need a few more optimists <br />For places in our fighting lists, <br />The kind of hopeful men who make <br />Real sacrifice for freedom's sake; <br />The optimist, with purpose strong, <br />Who stands to battle every wrong, <br />Takes off his coat, and buckles in <br />The better joys of earth to win! <br />The optimist who worries lest <br />The vile should overthrow the best. <br /> <br />We need a few more optimists, <br />The brave of heart that long resists <br />The force of Hate and Greed and lust <br />And keeps in God and man his trust, <br />Believing, as he makes his fight <br />That everything will end all right— <br />Yet through the dreary days and nights <br />Unfalteringly serves and fights, <br />And helps to gain the joys which he <br />Believes are some day sure to be. <br /> <br />We need a few more optimists <br />Of iron hearts and sturdy wrists; <br />Not optimists who smugly smile <br />And preach that in a little while <br />The clouds will fade before the sun, <br />But cheerful men who'll bear a gun, <br />And hopeful men, of courage stout, <br />Who'll see disaster round about <br />And yet will keep their faith, and fight, <br />And gain the victory for right.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/we-need-a-few-more-optimists/
