CAN’T
Can’t is the worst word that is written or spoken;
It can do much more harm than slander and lies;
On it many a strong spirit broken,
And with it many a good purpose dies.
It springs from the lips of so many of us each morning
And robs us of courage we need through the day:
It rings in our ears like a timely sent warning
And laughs when we falter and fall by the way.
Can’t is the father of feeble endeavour,
The parent of terror and half-hearted work;
It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,
And makes of the toiler and indolent shirk.
It poisons the soul of the man with a vision,
It stifles in infancy many a plan;
It greets honest toiling with open derision
And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man.
Can’t is a word none should speak without blushing;
No utterance of such a word of that name;
Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;
It deadens our purpose and shortens our aim.
Refute it with all of your passion and vigour;
Refuse it the lodgement it seeks in your brain;
Arm against it as a creature of terror,
So all of your dreams, someday you’ll gain.
Can’t is the word that says no to ambition;
An enemy once uttered will shatter your will;
Its prey is forever the man with a mission
And bows but to courage and patience and skill.
Loathe it with a force that is deep and undying,
For once it is welcomed ‘twill break any one;
Whatever the goal you are seeking – keep trying
And answer the gremlin by saying
“I CAN”
(Original by - Edgar A Guest)
