“Odds are…” “You never know…” we tossed around.
“Of course it isn’t likely, but he may
be prompted to improve.” And then she frowned,
asserting yet another bald cliche.
But I’ve seen new examples that confound
her banal expectations, so I say,
“My optimism’s cautious but sincere.
Let’s keep the faith. We might as well. We’re here.”

(Ottava Rima)