Can

(With love)

I was told once that can’t isn’t a word in a man’s vocabulary.
Either he will or he won’t.

And love bears all things
Hopes all things
Believes all things

Love never fails.

Yet,
If our love had a soundtrack
It would be the sweet strings
Of a guitar
breaking

The Definition of Can: Used to indicate physical or mental ability
As in, (nervously) “Can we hang out tonight?”

Can: Used to indicate possession of a specified power, right or privilege
As in, (softly) “Can I ask you something?”

Used to indicate possession of a specified capability or skill
As in, (transcendently) “I can get lost in you; you’re so beautiful.”

Usage Problem. Used to request or grant permission: Can I be excused?


How can we be, if broken?
Eyes, avid
Lips, paused
Ten years of tendered friendship, potential, suspended in the echo of
the moment that the next note plays

Can: Used to indicate that which is permitted, as by conscience or feelings
As in, (inaudibly) “ I can hardly hear you.”

Can:Used to indicate probability or possibility under the specified circumstances:
As in, (indifferently) Can you understand, I’m dating someone else?

Can: Used to indicate possibility or probability
As in, (achingly) “Can it ever be like it used to be?”

I was told once that can’t isn’t a word in a man’s vocabulary.


If our
love were a soundtrack
It would be the sweet strings
Of a guitar
Crying
bearing
Believing
Hoping

love

Failing
Falling away

It is the note that
ends
unfinished
in the great
shadow
of
can,
and its twin


could,

achingly
answered.