A Thousand to One by Berton Braley

A Thousand to One

Berton Braley (1882–1966)

There’s a thousand “Can’t-be-done-ers”

 For the one who says “It can!”

 But the whole amount of deeds that count

 Is done by the latter clan.

 For the “Can’t-be-done-ers” grumble,

 And hamper, oppose and doubt,

 While the daring man who says “It can!”

 Proceeds to work it out.

There isn’t a new invention

 Beneath the shining sun,

 That was ever wrought by the deed or thought

 Of the tribe of “Can’t-be-done.”

 For the “Can’t-be-done-ers” mutter

 While the “Can-be’s” cool, sublime,

 Make their “notions” work till the others smirk.

 “Oh, we knew it all the time!”

“Oh, the “Can-be’s” clan is meager,

 Its membership is small,

 And it’s mighty few who see their dreams come true

 Or hear fame’s trumpet call;

 But it’s better to be a “Can-be,”

 And labor and dream—and die,

 Than one who runs with the “Can’t-be-done’s”

 Who haven’t the pluck to try.