Can't is the worst word that's written or spoken; <br />Doing more harm here than slander and lies; <br />On it is many a strong spirit broken, <br />And with it many a good purpose dies. <br />It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning <br />And robs us of courage we need through the day: <br />It rings in our ears like a timely-sent warning <br />And laughs when we falter and fall by the way. <br /> <br />Can't is the father of feeble endeavor, <br />The parent of terror and half-hearted work; <br />It weakens the efforts of artisans clever, <br />And makes of the toiler an indolent shirk. <br />It poisons the soul of the man with a vision, <br />It stifles in infancy many a plan; <br />It greets honest toiling with open derision <br />And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man. <br /> <br />Can't is a word none should speak without blushing; <br />To utter it should be a symbol of shame; <br />Ambition and courage it daily is crushing; <br />It blights a man's purpose and shortens his aim. <br />Despise it with all of your hatred of error; <br />Refuse it the lodgment it seeks in your brain; <br />Arm against it as a creature of terror, <br />And all that you dream of you some day shall gain. <br /> <br /> <br />Can't is the word that is foe to ambition, <br />An enemy ambushed to shatter your will; <br />Its prey is forever the man with a mission <br />And bows but to courage and patience and skill. <br />Hate it, with hatred that's deep and undying, <br />For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man; <br />Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying <br />And answer this demon by saying: 'I can.'<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/can-t-13/
