In the assembly that 6A did on Monday, 14th January, the students recited two poems. Both poems were written by Edgar Albert Guest. I had never heard of this poet, nor any of his poems, until I was watching BBC Sport Review of The Year 2012. Last year was a remarkable year for Great Britain in sport. The highlight of the year were the Olympics and the Paralympics. I realise that to outsiders Great Britain seems like a great country, but it is a very small country, with a small population. Especially when it is compared to China, the hosts of the previous Olympics. Also the world was facing a financial meltdown, which meant that 2012 was not the year to be hosting the Olympics. There was a feeling that the Olympics could be the breaking point for Great Britain – look at Greece! And so, it was with great trepidation that the nation prepared…and achieved. There had been a feeling that “It Couldn’t Be Done”, that it would be too big a task. However, there were people in Great Britain who ignored the nay-sayers, they just buckled right in, and they did it. And so, it was while watching the BBC Sport Review of The Year 2012 that I heard this poem for the first time. I thought it was wonderful, and decided to teach it to the students.
It Couldn’t Be Done
by
Edgar Albert Guest
Somebody said that it couldn’t be done
But he with a chuckle replied
That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it!
Somebody scoffed: “Oh, you’ll never do that;
At least no one ever has done it;”
But he took off his coat and he took off his hat
And the first thing we knew he’d begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,
Without any doubting or quiddit,
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.
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.
After hearing the poem (it was recited by Idris Elba) I did a little bit more research and came across more of Edgar Albert Guest’s poems. It was then that I decided we (I say “we” but I mean “the students“) would also learn another poem for the assembly.
See It Through
by
Edgar Albert Guest
When you’re up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it’s vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!
Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don’t let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!
Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you’re beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don’t give up, whate’er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!
So, now you know what happened at the assembly.
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