Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PESSIMIST AND OPTIMIST, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: This one sits shivering in fortune's smile
Last Line: Laughs in the teeth of death.
Subject(s): Pessimism; Optimism

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.