I Can'T Say Poem by Tom Courtney

I Can’t Say

And I can’t say, but I am told
That man is kind, but he is bold

He looks to you and looks to me
But in his way says set me free

I want what’s best for all of us
But I come first, so what’s the fuss?

As long as I can have my say
The rest of you can get your way

I wouldn’t call it selfishness
‘cause human nature made this mess

And if I get some more than you
You’d do the same as foot in shoe

So this is man! He has his style
He’ll always walk the extra mile

He’ll always lend a hand in cheer
He’s fast a friend and comfort near

He walks my path, our footprints merge
While we can share this selfsame urge

But God looks down on man it seems
Makes light of plans and dashes schemes

So even with my dearest friend
It’s said there is a will to bend

That even friends must compromise
And give to get the more so wise

And I can’t say, but I am told
This story is of ages old

And so it’s true when patterns grow
They teach us life, they let us know

In all experience, they say
It’s best to watch the proven way

And I’m just thinking, is this true?
Is it me for me, and you for you?

Well hazard never stopped a man
I thought I had a kind of plan

I think there’s truth to what is said
But finer ways still lie ahead

And I can’t say, but try I will
With all my heart and all my skill