Ben and Will talk about pessimism and action through the lens of Salena Godden's poem, Pessimism is for Lghtweights.

Think of those that marched this road before

And those that will march here in years to come

The road in shadow and the road in the sun

The road before us and the road all done

History is watching us and what will we become

This road is all flags and milestones

Immigrant blood and sweat and tears

Built this city, built this country

Made this road last all these years

This road is made of protest

And those not permitted to vote

And those that are still fighting to speak

With a boot stamping on their throat

There is power and strength in optimism

To have faith and to stay true to you

Because if you can look in the mirror

And have belief and promise you

Will share wonder in living things

Beauty, dreams, books and art

Love your neighbour and be kind

And have an open heart

Then you’re already winning at living

You speak up, you show up and stand tall

It’s silence that is complicit

It’s apathy that hurts us all

Pessimism is for lightweights

There is no straight white line

It’s the bumps and curves and obstacles

That make this road yours and mine

Pessimism is for lightweights

This road was never easy and straight

And living is all about living alive and lively

And love will conquer hate

Thank you so much to Salena for her permission to use this poem! You can keep up with her and find her new projects, including her debut novel "Mrs. Death misses death" at http://www.salenagodden.co.uk/ as well as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.