Emma Pollock

The Optimist

Emma Pollock


Given the light 
Give it some truth
Given the maybe
Give it some proof
This body is cleaner
I'm one to behold
My truth was uncovered 
Untainted and told
I loathed the people 
I considered old

Oh, the optimist

Teach me to follow 
Teach me to lead
Teach me to stand up 
And how to succeed
As long as I'm upright 
I'll try to prolong
The notion 
That future events 
Must go on
No matter the turn out 
Is right or is wrong

They trusted you
And all the things 
You often made 
Them do, and now
Everyone smilin'
Telling me 
I've got 
To trust you to
Do no wrong
'Cause if you do 
You just won't live 
As long, and now
Everyone's cryin'
Someone's telling them 
To just stop trying

Given some truth 
Call it a lie
Given some action 
Ask yourself why
This body is slow 
And it's seen 
It's best days
My truth is uncovered 
My negative ways
I'm one of the people 
I struggle to praise

Oh, the pessimist

Teach me to follow 
But never to lead
Teach me to stay down 
And never succeed
When everyone's watching 
It's hard to admit
The movement of shadows 
That lead me to quit
I grapple with time 
But I can't make it fit

They trusted you
With all the things 
You often made them do 
And now
Everyone smillin'
Telling me 
I've got to trust you to
Do no wrong
'Cause if you do 
You just won't live 
As long, and now
Everyone's smilin'
Someone's telling them 
To just stop trying