Some One Can Do It

Some One Can Do It by David V. Bush is an encouraging poem to share with someone who feels a goal is beyond reach. Its message reminds us that determination, effort, and a willingness to keep trying can help us move past doubt.

We all face moments when we wonder if we can do something. A setback may shake our confidence, or someone else's words may make us question our abilities. Bush encourages us to look beyond those doubts and take the next step. Among our Famous Poems, this poem offers a reminder that believing something is possible is often the beginning of trying.

Whether you are working toward a new goal or starting again after disappointment, let these verses encourage you. You may not have every answer today, but you can begin with what you have, learn along the way, and keep moving forward. Your efforts may also give someone else the courage to try.

When some one says, It can't be done, Believe it not one minute

Updated October 1, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Some One Can Do It

Poet: David V. Bush

When some one says, "It can't be done",
And squirms 'neath manhood's toiling;
Complains about "No battles won",
His speech with whimpers boiling;
Some other man with steady tread
Success attains, how was it?
Pursues his course with aching head;
Plods on and works and does it!

"It can't be done!" He strikes his pate
And rails against his station,
While off'ring to the god of Fate
His daily weak oblation.
Yet other men whose lot in life
Was "down" from Fate's worst stacking,
Go on with plucky gain through strife.
And win without a backing!

When some one says, "It ain't no use,
I've had no hand that boosted;
My head's been thrust within a noose;
Ill luck on me has roosted",
Some other man far lower down
On Fortune's fateful ladder
Mounts on his way and wins the crown,
For ill luck none the sadder!

When some one says, "It can't be done",
Believe it not one minute;
For near at hand one's on the run
To see the prize and win it.
The baffled losers rub their eyes,
And idly cry "How was it?"
But while they yearn to grasp the prize
Their next door neighbor does it!

Key Reflections In This Poem

Give Yourself A Chance To Try
When something seems difficult, it is easy to decide we cannot do it before we begin. Give yourself a chance by taking one small step and seeing what you can learn.
Keep Going Through Setbacks
Progress does not always come easily, and even determined people have discouraging days. A setback can teach us something useful and help us approach the next attempt with greater understanding.
Your Beginning Does Not Tell Your Whole Story
Difficult circumstances can create real obstacles, but they do not describe everything you can become. With effort, support, and opportunities to learn, a different future may be possible.
Turn Your Hopes Into Action
Wishing for a goal is a beginning, but action helps us move toward it. Choose something you can do today, however small, and build from there.

Quotes From Some One Can Do It

These lines from David V. Bush offer encouragement to believe in possibilities, keep working, and turn good intentions into action.

“When some one says, ‘It can't be done’ ... Some other man with steady tread Success attains”
David V. Bush

We sometimes hear about another person's achievement and assume they had an easier start. While advantages and support can make a difference, they do not tell the whole story. Many accomplishments also involve patient effort, learning, and persistence. Rather than comparing your beginning with someone else's success, consider what you can do with the opportunities before you.

“Pursues his course with aching head; Plods on and works and does it!”
David V. Bush

We often see the result of someone's work without seeing the challenges that came before it. An athlete's moment on the podium, for example, follows years of practice, training, and sacrifice. Our own goals may also require repeated effort. When progress feels slow, remember that each useful step can help prepare you for what comes next.

“Yet other men whose lot in life Was ‘down’ from Fate's worst stacking, Go on with plucky gain through strife.”
David V. Bush

A difficult beginning can bring challenges that should never be dismissed. Yet stories of people who have overcome hardship remind us that our circumstances do not have to define our entire future. Sometimes progress begins with learning a skill, accepting help, or trying again. There is encouragement in knowing that change is possible, even when it takes time.

“Mounts on his way and wins the crown, For ill luck none the sadder!”
David V. Bush

Luck can play a part in life, but we can also prepare ourselves to recognize and use opportunities. Learning, making connections, and following through on an idea can open doors. When a problem appears, pause and consider what you might do next. You may discover a possibility you had not noticed before.

“When some one says, ‘It can't be done’, Believe it not one minute”
David V. Bush

Someone else's doubt does not have to become your own. Listen to helpful advice, consider the challenges honestly, and give yourself room to explore what is possible. Spend time with people who encourage your efforts and help you grow. A hopeful outlook can give you the courage to begin, while practical steps help you move forward.

“The baffled losers rub their eyes ... But while they yearn to grasp the prize Their next door neighbor does it!”
David V. Bush

It is easy to spend time talking about what we hope to do. The change comes when we turn those words into action. You do not need to complete the whole journey today, but you can take a step toward your goal. A small effort made regularly can accomplish more than a plan that never begins.

Popular Pages

Explore more poems and quotes to encourage determination, thoughtful choices, and a hopeful outlook on life.

Find encouragement to keep moving toward your goals in our collection of Inspirational Poems.

Discover more thoughtful verses and the writers behind them on our Famous Poets page.

Reflect on how your choices and attitude can shape your next steps as you read You Decide.

Enjoy another poem to reflect upon with The Two Brothers.

Let these Defeat Quotes remind you that disappointment can be a chance to learn and begin again.

Find reflections on the challenges and possibilities we encounter along the Journey of Life.

Continue exploring the power of a willing attitude with I Can't and I Can.

Conclusion

Some One Can Do It reminds us to give effort a chance before allowing doubt to decide the outcome. We may face obstacles, and our plans may need to change, but there is value in trying, learning, and beginning again. If you have a goal in mind, choose one step you can take today. And when someone else feels discouraged, offer a kind word that helps them find the courage to take their next step too.

More David V. Bush Poems to Inspire