Classic Poem

When I am full of zip, and strong,
When to my lips the ready song
Unsummoned springs; when I can see
Clear-eyed the world, and you, and me;
Then do I see a world unjust,
Few persons worthy love and trust;
And sometimes things appear so bad
That I see carmine, and get mad;
And, full of strength and indignation,
Pen some satiric observation.

When I am reft of pep, and weak,
When fevered is mine ardent cheek,
Then is my vision dulled, and I
See all the universe awry.
Then do I see a world unfair,
And, with a heart bowed by despair
At all the selfishness and greed,
Bitter I grow, I do, indeed.
And ill and weak, as I'm at present,
I write some verses far from pleasant.

When I am full of zip, and strong,
When to my lips the ready song
Unsummoned springs; when I can see
Clear-eyed the world, and you, and me;
Then do I see a world unjust,
Few persons worthy love and trust;
And sometimes things appear so bad
That I see carmine, and get mad;
And, full of strength and indignation,
Pen some satiric observation.

When I am reft of pep, and weak,
When fevered is mine ardent cheek,
Then is my vision dulled, and I
See all the universe awry.
Then do I see a world unfair,
And, with a heart bowed by despair
At all the selfishness and greed,
Bitter I grow, I do, indeed.
And ill and weak, as I'm at present,
I write some verses far from pleasant.