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C J Dennis - Intangible Tigers
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There`s a moral in this: tho` I own that the preaching
   Of moral and maxim in season and out
Grows stale; yet these days of depressions far-reaching
   Demand any means to put worry to rout.
So in that menagerie now populated
   By home-coming chickens and wolves upon mats
Consider, when finally doubt`s dissipated
   How often our tigers turn out to be cats.

Three-fourths of our troubles some Frenchman has told us,
   But seldom occur.  Tho` the ills of the mind
Loom forth as fierce tigers while doubts yet unfold us,
   They turn into cats once we`ve put them behind.
How often the dread of some darkened tomorrow
   Has ruined today; till, at Time`s urgent call,
Tomorrow`s false fears become yester`s small sorrow --
   Innocuous cats, and not tigers at all.

So, here is the moral -- just take it or leave it.
   It doesn`t much matter, you`ll scorn it, no doubt.
Yet here is a truth and, if men don`t receive it
   I`ve still done my duty in pointing it out.
False troubles, false tigers engender false fearing;
   So use the grey matter close under your hat
And, as you fare forth thro` life`s dark forests peering,
   Go armed against tigers -- but still expect cats.
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