It Couldn't Be Done by Edgar Albert Guest

𝐄𝐝𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 was a British-born American poet whose poems often presented an optimistic view of everyday life. He was named the first Poet Laureate of Michigan and was widely recognized for his ability to convey prolific messages about common circumstances that most people could relate to. In this poem, he describes a man that is unwilling to give up on his goal despite the pressure of external forces telling him that his goal is impossible. Guest emphasizes the need for self-determination, and specifically highlights what can be achieved if you have the ability to motivate yourself without the support from others. 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐞𝐦: But just buckle in with a bit of a grin, Just take off your coat and go to it; Just start in to sing as you tackle the thing, That cannot be done,’ and you’ll do it.