FIGURE IT OUT FOR YOURSELF

Figure it out for yourself, my lad.

You've all that the gratest of men have had.

Two arms two hands, two legs, two eyes,

and a brain to use if you would be wise.

Whit 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 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 do.

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 greate have had.

With your equipment they all began,

Get hold of yourself, and say ; "I can."

By Edgar A. Guest