Can’t

Recently came across this poem I’d saved from a newsletter back in 1996. Originally published in 1916. Still holds true today: “Refuse it the lodgment it seeks in your brain”!

Can’t
By Edgar A. Guest

Can’t is the worst word ever 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 us the toiler and indolent shirk.
It poisons the soul of a 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 all with 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 it will break any man;
Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying
And answer this demon by saying: “I can.”