Can 't

by Edgar Guest

Can't is the worst word that's written or spoken;

Doing more harm here then 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 halfhearted 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 someday 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."