The Two Brothers

The poem The Two Brothers shares a powerful lesson about how our beliefs and attitudes can shape the direction of our lives.

This poem tells the story of twin brothers who are given very different names, Can and Can’t, and those names come to represent how they approach life. As time passes, we see how belief, confidence, and a positive outlook help one brother succeed, while doubt and discouragement lead the other toward struggle. Through this contrast, the poem shows how our thoughts influence our actions and the choices we make each day.

The lesson shared here is one that applies to people of all ages. When we believe in ourselves and focus on what is possible, we are more likely to try, to grow, and to keep going even when life feels difficult. This poem encourages us to choose words and attitudes that build confidence, both in ourselves and in those we care about, reminding us that an “I Can” attitude can make a lasting difference.

“Stamp only Can upon their breasts; stamp deep that all the world may see. Lucien M. Lewis

Updated September 21, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

The Two Brothers

By Lucien M. Lewis

There were twin brothers, we are told,
Whose mother at their hour of birth
To satisfy some curious whim,
Gave them the oddest names on earth.

She named one Can, the other, Can't,
And, lest confusion might be made,
She stamped their names upon their breasts.
In letters that would never fade.

Time passed; Can was a wondrous man,
God-like in every thought and deed.
And somehow everything he touched
Straightway would prosper and succeed.

Can't was the victim of bad luck.
And failed at everything he tried;
'Till finally, the story goes,
Bad luck assailed him and he died.

O mothers of the sons of men,
O mothers of the race to be.
Stamp only Can upon their breasts;
Stamp deep that all the world may see!

Key Reflections In This Poem

Our Beliefs Influence Our Actions
What we believe about ourselves can affect the choices we make and the effort we are willing to give. An encouraging attitude can help us approach challenges with greater confidence.
Words And Labels Can Have An Impact
The names Can and Can't represent two very different ways of looking at life. The poem reminds us to be careful about the labels we place on ourselves and others.
An "I Can" Attitude Encourages Effort
Believing something is possible does not guarantee success, but it can give us the confidence to try. When we replace immediate doubt with possibility, we give ourselves a chance to learn and grow.
Encouragement Matters To Children
The closing stanza speaks directly to mothers and emphasizes the importance of building confidence in children. Encouraging words can help children develop courage, determination, and belief in their abilities.
Attitude Helps Shape How We Face Life
Challenges will come whether we feel confident or doubtful. The poem encourages us to meet those challenges with hope, effort, and the belief that we can keep moving forward.

Brief Bio Of The Poet

Little is known about Lucien M. Lewis, and detailed biographical information about the poet is difficult to find. However, his poem The Two Brothers leaves readers with an encouraging message about attitude, belief, and the words we use.

Through the contrasting characters of Can and Can't, Lewis encourages us to consider how our beliefs about ourselves can influence the way we approach opportunities and challenges.

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Conclusion

The poem The Two Brothers reminds us that what we believe about ourselves truly matters. When we choose an “I Can” mindset, we open the door to growth, confidence, and opportunity. Life will still bring challenges, but our attitude helps determine how we respond to them. May this poem encourage you to speak words of belief over yourself and others, especially the next generation, so that hope, effort, and possibility take root and continue to grow.

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