Three Ways

These are wise words from Steve Langton, my father. I've heard them many time before but always try to "keep it real" when I make great plans and have big dreams...

Three Ways.

The pessimist said:
Too difficult, rewards are too few.
And stayed in bed.
The optimist expected
Wishes come true;
Dreams go ahead.
The realist said -
Problems will be circumvented,
Planning will be rewarded.
The pessimist said
It cannot be done;
The obstacles can't be overcome.
The optimist planned
To enjoy the reward
Planned on the fact that success was ensured.
The realist weighed the chances
Set course for success,
Anticipating corrections.
The pessimist did not fail
For nothing was attempted -
Received, was that expected.
The optimist blamed failure
On people and chance
That failed expectations.
The realist evaluated
Goals missed and achieved
And lessons learned in the doing.
The pessimist confirmed
The worst expectation -
And pessimism persisted.
The optimist, disillusioned
Turned away disappointed -
And became embittered.
The realist, learning
From success and failure;
Campaigned the next future.