Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, YOU SIMPLY CAN'T, by CHARLES LOUIS HENRY WAGNER


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

YOU SIMPLY CAN'T, by                    
First Line: You can't be sick of living when you're working with
Last Line: You simply can't.
Subject(s): Simplicity


You can't be sick of living when you're working with your might,
You can't be sad and lonesome when your heart with love is light,
You can't fail to be thankful when you look around and see
All the good things which surround you and God's liberality;
You simply can't.

You can't be mean and selfish when you share the things you own,
You can't be cold and heartless when the warmth of love you've shown,
You can't be introspective when your eyes once view the scene
Of a world of broken spirits and you realize what they mean;
You simply can't.

You can't get out of patience when you sympathize with pain,
You can't be cross and peevish when you know your loss is gain,
You can't be slow or idle when your mind's responsive to
The great, glad world about you and the things which YOU might do;
You simply can't.

You can't rule men with hatred when the power of love is proved,
You can't be hard or callous when you've let yourself be moved,
You can't refuse a beggar when beneath his rags you see
A brother man and heir to man's immortality;
You simply can't.

You can't be rude to children when you've felt a sweet child's kiss,
You can't reprove the lonely when companionship you miss,
You can't be deaf to sorrow when you've drained its bitter cup
To the dregs and know the feeling of a hope that buoys you up;
You simply can't.

You can't be irreligious when you ask and you receive,
You can't be dumb and silent when you trust and you believe,
You can't disguise God's presence when your soul is one with Him,
Be you midst the scenes of plenty or where poverty stalks grim;
You simply can't.





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