But paradoxically*

Some of the most optimistic, brilliant minds I know 

Are those who straddle irony

And sell themselves short 

People who say 

No one is worth trusting 

There’s always a bigger picture

Deep rooted incentives and

Buttons to push for betrayal 

Are those who trust 

And are worth trusting

The most 

People who say

There’s nothing more

To exchanged reciprocity

It’s always better to be overprotective 

Than to be exploited 

Are those who give

Unconditionally 

The most 

People who say

Settle for half so you 

Never get disappointed 

Details and nuances are 

Just insignificant technicalities

That can be ignored

Are those who push

For incremental better 

The most

People who say 

There is no growth potential 

It’s all written in the stars 

Only a fool would think 

God plays dice

Are those who have faith 

In disciplined practice 

The most

People who say

Adjust your expectations 

No one gives a shit 

There is a not a care in the world

Worth the trouble

Are those who take

Things to heart

The most 

Now I don’t know 

What’s with the mismatch 

In words and action 

Just humility, learnt cynicism 

Or cautious conservatism

But it’s strange to me 

That instead of whimsical aspiration

You voice jaded boredom

And I mean 

Thanks for your kind advice 

I do tend to idealistic extremes

But paradoxically 

It seems to be 

That I won’t need to build 

Walls sky high 

When I’m 

With you