Can't

A great, achieving soul will not clog itself with a cowardly thought or

a cowardly watchword. Cardinal Richelieu in Bulwer-Lytton's play

declares:

   "In the lexicon of youth, which fate reserves

  For a bright manhood, there is no such word

  As 'fail.'"

"Impossible," Napoleon is quoted as saying, "is a word found only in the dictionary of fools."

  _Can't_ is the worst word that's written or spoken;

    Doing more harm here than slander and lies;

  On it is many a strong spirit broken,

    And with it many a good purpose dies.

  It springs from the lips of the thoughtless 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 endeavor,

    The parent of terror and half-hearted work;

  It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,

    And makes of the toiler an 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;

    To utter it should be a symbol of shame;

  Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;

    It blights a man's purpose and shortens his aim.

  Despise it with all of your hatred of error;

    Refuse it the lodgment it seeks in your brain;

  Arm against it as a creature of terror,

    And all that you dream of you some day shall gain.

  _Can't_ is the word that is foe to ambition,

    An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;

  Its prey is forever the man with a mission

    And bows but to courage and patience and skill.

  Hate it, with hatred that's deep and undying,

    For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man;

  Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying

    And answer this demon by saying: "I _can_."

by Edgar Albert Guest  _