A Tinge of Dread

Whatever you anticipate
Contains a tinge of dread.
It’s better to acknowledge it
And hope it doesn’t spread.

If you prefer pretending,
Looking only at the good,
You’ll be shocked when you discover
How much you’ve misunderstood.

Though they talk of silver linings,
To an optimist’s delight,
We who recognize disasters
Know that’s only partly right.

For no matter the occasion,
Even those imbued with joy,
There is doubt or grief or anguish
Which the fates may yet employ.

With experience behind me,
There’s a lesson I have learned:
It’s the pessimist who’s powerful,
Preparing to get burned.