“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."”

— Edgar Guest

Can't, stanza 4, p. 54.
A Heap o' Livin' (1916)

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American writer 1881–1959

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