Colin F. Jones

YOU CAN…

You cannot endure the unendurable
Nor survive where none can survive,
You cannot do what is impossible,
You cannot die and still be alive.

You cannot lie and yet be truthful
Nor be thanked for what you debase
Nor fly without wings without falling
Show anger with a smile on your face.

But you can always, offer some kindness,
Deliver a good message or two,
Encourage a man who flounders
To alter his negative view.

You can always be tolerant and thoughtful,
Give value to another man’s life,
By offering hope for his children,
That they are not led into a valley of strife.

And you can if he served as a soldier,
Prepared to die on the battlefield for right,
Offer your love and your shoulder,
That his dreams may be lessened at night.

And you can when he rises above it,
As a symbol of everyone’s dream,
Fade humbly into the shadows,
With no trace of where you have been.

For each person has a particular role,
A purpose in life to fulfil,
A spirit that lives in his soul,
A need that inspires his will.

So be kind, be truthful, and love,
Be strong when helping a friend,
Yet cry if you feel like crying,
For it does no good to pretend.

Say what you feel like saying,
Speak firmly and honestly and clear
For a God loving man who is truthful,
Has nothing on Earth to fear.