People's Poet

Proclaimed as the People's Poet, Edgar Albert Guest was born in Birmingham, United Kingdom on August 20, 1881. He shifted to America where he spent rest of his life. He is therefore regarded as a 'British-born American'. As far as his poetries are concerned, they echo optimistic beliefs and are like springs of inspiration. In the following paragraphs, I've described some of his poems.

It Couldn't be Done

"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 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."

Other people's perception of impossible should not limit your potential. Fear of failure will obstruct your growth. Since there is not any easy and clear road to success, obstacles are bound to come. So put all your efforts into tackling the challenges. An undiminished resolute will bring you the fruits of success and may even make impossible possible.

Things Work Out

The poem teaches you to stay patent and perseverant. Amid the ups and downs of life, don't lose faith. Maybe things are bad right now but this too shall pass. You'll realise that there's no perfect life or perfect answer to what's happening in your life. Pain seems inevitable and happiness seems bleak. Your journey will have many twists and turns. But your journey is your story and every chapter will shape you as person. Don't complain. Things always work out if you keep on believing.

Equipment

"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."

Success is not a sudden accident. Success is not a stroke of luck that happens to fall at your feet. Every successful individual is but a human no different than you. Successful people aren't magicians or alien or angels. They have the same physiological features and mental faculties as you. So, don't underestimate your potential by comparing yourself so successful people. Be successful. What makes ordinary something extraordinary is not magic but hard work. To reach your potential, you'll have to realise your potential. Strive to be great and you will be.

Sermon

"I soon can learn to do it if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you act and how you live"

Preachers will preach and teachers will teach. When it comes to observation, we find that things are easier said than done. The poet says that preachings are futile if you fail to act upon them. He would rather see words put in action than attend a lecture of empty words.

Examples supersede sermons.

Conclusion

Edgar Albert Guest uses simple language to express power ideas. His poetries will continue to give hope and encouragement to many. 

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