Somebody said that it couldn’t be done,
But, he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn’t," but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.
Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you’ll never do that;
At least no one has done it";
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat,
And the first thing we knew he’d begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,
There are thousands to prophesy failure;
There are thousands to point out to you one by one,
The dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle it in with a bit of a grin,
Just take off your coat and go to it;
Just start to sing as you tackle the thing
That "couldn’t be done," and you’ll do it.
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Another version
From guest Sherry (contact)
I have always loved this poem. Does anyone remember the version that the little poet recited on Saturday Night Live in the late 60's or early 70's? It was really cute. -
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Love this poem
From guest Jennie Bailey (contact)
When I was in elementary school we had to memorize poetry, and this was the one I chose! I liked it so much I always remembered it and I'm 24 now! :) -
Edgar A Guest
From guest Sharlet Jones (contact)
I am searching for a poem by Edgar A Guest maybe titled "Meat On The Table". Any help would be appreciated. -
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I can't find the phrase you asked for but I would suggest Thanksgiving
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/4203-Edgar-Albert-Guest-Thanksgiving-wbr- -
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/61886-Edgar-Albert-Guest-The-Perfect-Dinner-Table
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/44705-Edgar-Albert-Guest-The-Kick-Under-The-Table
Are either of these 2 poem of any use to you?
Von
Oldpoetry Team
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POEM IT COULDN'T BE DONE
From guest ALBERT LEVIN (contact)
70 yrs ago, I read this poem on the wall of my uncles office. It impressed me so much that I've been serching for it as I did not know the author's name and finally found it through google. Now Happy!!! -
From guest Nina Blair (contact)
This poem has sustained us for many, many years, peoples and situations. Love it, love it! -
I have been looking for these words on and off recently since I heard them sung in a local folk club. They look just as good in print.
Guest give us a fine answer to those who give up on something new because they say "It can't be done".
Vin Garbutt has recorded this on PERSONA...GRATA from Home Roots HRCD018
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I Love this poem. I've Loved it ever since I first heard it in my eighth grade english class. And the reading of it! Our teacher, Mr. Berry (George) gave such an elegant and energetic performance that really brought the poem to life. I think that perhaps his class is where my Love for poetry truly began.
I've read a few more pieces of Edgar's work and his talent just astounds and at times overwhelms me. He makes what many of us consider to be everyday, mundane things into very eloquent and beautiful verse. I find peace in his words.
~ ~ Sincerely, Janet ~ ~
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this and a few more of edgar's poems have given me the strength to survive and keep going when, my world turned upside down, a true inspiration
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