Cecelia Weir - I Can't Do That

Some said I would fail
Because of the family I'm from.
They said because we were poor
We were all gutter bound
And to have a chance at life
We would never overcome.
I Can't Do That!

They said I couldn't make it
They said I couldn't stand
Because I didn't have
Advanced grades in school.
They said I was stupid
And bound to break every rule.
I Can't Do That!

They said I wouldn't slide
Because of the color of my skin.
I jumped every good opportunity
I won't hold my head down
Because you moraly frown
Why should I give in.
I Can't Do that!

I was told even my kids
Wouldn't stand a chance.
Because of the life
Of my foreparents background
That we only see at a glance
No jail or illegitimatcies are found.
I Can't Do That!

Now as life issues its bullies
Its confidences of discouragement
I see just how many
Of these sad influences
Have such negative impact
In the lives of the positive are represented.
I Can't Do That!

They make you gay
When life ain't funny.
They make you a liar
If you make honest money.
They want you to feel less
For doing your best.
I Can't Do That!

They think you should fail
They think you should give up.
To do things to satisfy them
That would make you deserve time.
Living for what others want
I would really be out of my mind.
I Can't Do That!

Cecelia Weir

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-can-t-do-that/