Figure it out for yourself, my lad, <br />You've all that the greatest of men have had, <br />Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes, <br />And a brain to use if you would be wise. <br />With this equipment they all began, <br />So start for the top and say 'I can.' <br /> <br />Look them over, the wise and great, <br />They take their food from a common plate <br />And similar knives and forks they use, <br />With similar laces they tie their shoes, <br />The world considers them brave and smart. <br />But you've all they had when they made their start. <br /> <br />You can triumph and come to skill, <br />You can be great if only you will, <br />You're well equipped for what fight you choose, <br />You have legs and arms and a brain to use, <br />And the man who has risen, great deeds to do <br />Began his life with no more than you. <br /> <br />You are the handicap you must face, <br />You are the one who must choose your place, <br />You must say where you want to go. <br />How much you will study the truth to know, <br />God has equipped you for life, But He <br />Lets you decide what you want to be. <br /> <br />Courage must come from the soul within, <br />The man must furnish the will to win, <br />So figure it out for yourself, my lad, <br />You were born with all that the great have had, <br />With your equipment they all began. <br />Get hold of yourself, and say: 'I can.'<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/equipment-3/
