Poetry doesn't need to bring emotions in you. Lyric poetry does. If you're moved by poetry, then it's a good thing, but I've been moved by people reading non-poetry stuff (Tim Miller pops right into my mind).

As for your last question, the answer is: because the world is this way and no other.

Is the glass half empty or half full?

It would depend on how you look at it. Supressing the urge to jump into something headfirst could be careful, protective and smart (or protective smart, if that's what you meant. Or it could be surrendering to fear.

I kind of do that... Only I consider it protecti, careful and smart. But then that's me.

James

Well.. hmm. Gauging the situation is always a good thing to do really. Once that's done and you've concluded that it's not that bad of a choice to jump headfirst into it, and not doing it, is fear. But yeah, everyone who has learned to gauge their surroundings before they make certain decisions has perfected something good.

Living a life fully reserved though... isn't something to do..

Eh.. a small world would be boring..

No yes and no, no easy answers. Fear masked as reservation and caution can be blindingly debilitating. Yet to weigh and decied either for or against is a mark of intelligence and prudence. It's the ebb and flow between the two that makes the difference. Sometimes you have to just run toward the bank and leap into the air. For half a moment you're flying and free, then to be suddenly swallowed whole by rushing, frothing waters as the creek grabs you and takes you where it wants until you remember to struggle to the surface to do it all again. That first jump is terrifying, as it should be. Reservation makes us wait, consider the possible harm. Fear helps us decide it would be wiser to stay on the stable ground beneath our feet. The choice is ours to make; is the possible sprained ankle, or broken heart worth the ride?

The world is as big as you choose to see it.