Paradox

He who knows, doubts;
He who knows not, believes.
The philosopher is the pessimist;
The fool is the optimist.
The dreamer is stoned;
The tyrant is applauded
Thus it is in life.
The youth fears that he will regret;
The old man regrets he feared.
The maiden dreams of the godlike lover;
The matron finds him-Death.
Humanity has its cities
Where men go to live--but die;
Nature has its deserts
Where men go to die-but live;
Life is a paradox.

-Arthur FlakoU