I Can't Say Can't

I try and I try, but trying's not enough.
I have to succeed, because life is tough.
Nobody ever said to the soldier, "It's ok you didn't get there in time."
No, they said, "You just didn't try hard enough."

I can do whatever I set my mind to do,
and right now I'm in school, gaining knowledge that's new.
Unless I don't try, in which case
my education, job, career, and future are through.

These days, too many people are satisfied
with half-assed work.
Every time I hear "I don't care",
I die a little inside.

"Can't" is not in my vocabulary.
I will continue working hard,
I feel my legs giving out, my shoulders growing weary
of the weight which I force myself to carry:

Self-satisfaction.

Success.

I will have it.

I will.