Figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You've all that the greatest of men have had,
Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes,
And a brain to use if you would be wise.
With this equipment they all began,
So start for the top and say "I can."
Look them over, the wise and great,
They take their food from a common plate
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces they tie their shoes,
The world considers them brave and smart.
But you've all they had when they made their start.
You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if only you will,
You're well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have legs and arms and a brain to use,
And the man who has risen, great deeds to do
Began his life with no more than you.
You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place,
You must say where you want to go.
How much you will study the truth to know,
God has equipped you for life, But He
Lets you decide what you want to be.
Courage must come from the soul within,
The man must furnish the will to win,
So figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You were born with all that the great have had,
With your equipment they all began.
Get hold of yourself, and say: "I can."
Notes
George Washington Carver, famous Black inventor read Mr. Guest's poem; "EQUIPMENT" during his commencement address at Selma University, Selma Alabama on May 27, 1942.
Mr. Carver is most famous for his inventions, using "peanuts" He admired Mr. Guest's skill and talents.
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From guest Toni Jordan (contact)
I was really elated when I heard this poem today. The words to this poem are so motivating that it touched my heart. Mr.Guest has a way with words and thank God that he shares his gift. Thank you God for Mr.Guest and thank you Mr.Guest for sharing your thoughts. -
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From guest Toni Jordan (contact)
I was realy elated when I heard this poem. The words alone are so uplifting that I had to let it all sink into my heart. Mr. Guest has a way with words and this poem sets my motivation off. Thank you Mr.Guest -
Inspirational Men
From guest Lily Carranza (contact)
I am neither a scholar nor a religious guru, I am only a sensible woman who trys to find inspiraton in everything and everyone around me; I seek motiviation in words of ingenuous people, such as these harmonious words that Mr. Guest has left engraved in our minds forever. Bravo! -
Thank You
From guest James Livingstone (contact)
I'm very much inspired by his comment to succeed. He once again given me renewed energy to go ahead. Thank you Edgar. -
Equipment poem
From guest Rev. Roland Brown (contact)
I am a recruiter for a program that helps 16-18 year olds to earn their GED through 5 1/2 month of military training. I conduct sessions where I tell them my story of how my 7th grade teacher challenged those who were about to graduate to the 9th grade(due to high test scores)to recite shortened version of the Equipment poem to the graduating class. She only gave us 2 days to memorize it. We did it and today I share that poem each and every session I have. I conduct about 60 sessions per year. I am also a pastor and I shar this same poem to the graduates at our church every year.
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