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 throughout 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 feather of feeble endeavor,
The parent of terror and half-hearted work;
It weakens the efforts of artisans cleaver,
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 cursing;
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. -Edgar Guest | 
