It Couldn't Be Done - Edgar A Guest

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,

And I with a chuckle replied,

That "maybe it couldn't," and I would be one

Who wouldn't say so til I tried!

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

On my face - if I worried I hid it.

I started to sing as I tackled the thing,

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

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

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

So I took off my coat, and I took off my hat,

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

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

Without any doubting or I'll quit it,

I started to sing, as I tackled the thing,

That couldn't be done, and I 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.

And 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 maybe, 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 won't.

If I prefer to win, and 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 believe in my efforts before

I'll ever reach for a prize!

A battle may not always go,

To the faster or stronger one,

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

A time 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.