It Couldn't Be Done - Edgar A Guest

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,

But they with a chuckle replied,

That "maybe it couldn't," but they would be one

Who wouldn't say so til they tried!

So they buckled right in with the trace of a grin,

On their face - if they worried they hid it.

They started to sing as they tackled the thing,

That couldn't be done, and they did it!

Somebody scoffed, "Oh you'll never do that!

Well, at least, no-one ever has done it!"

So they took off their coat, and they took off their hat,

And the first thing we knew they'd begun it!

With a lift of their chin and a bit of a grin,

Without any doubting or I'll quit it,

They started to sing, as they tackled the thing,

That couldn't be done, and they did it!

There are thousands to tell me it cannot be done.

There are thousands who prophesy failure.

There are thousands who point out to me, one by one, 

The dangers that wait to assail me.

But I'll just buckle in, with the trace of a grin.

I'll just take off my coat and go to it.

I'll just start to sing, as I tackle the thing,

That "cannot be done," and I'll do it!

I think and I am - John Lees

If I think I am beaten, I am.

If I think I dare not, I don't.

If I like to win, but I think I can't,

Then it's almost certain I won't!

If I think I'll lose, I'm lost.

For out in the world I find,

Success begins first with my will;

It's all in my state of mind.

If I think I'm outclassed, I am.

When I begin to think high, I rise.

I know to be pure in my efforts before

I'll ever be first for a prize!

Life's battles may not always go,

To the faster or stronger one,

But sooner or later, I'll most likely win,

The times I believe I can

My Wage - J B Rittenhouse

I bargained with life for a penny,

And life would pay no more,

However I begged at evening,

When I counted my scanty store.

For life is a just employer,

He gives me what I ask,

But once I have set the wages,

Why, I must bear the task.

I worked for a menial's hire,

Only to learn, dismayed,

That any wages I asked of life,

Life would have willingly paid.