I really can’t keep the dawn from breaking
through the cracks of your name;
can’t mute the city when it sings
every taxi light spelling you again.
I really can’t unfeel the pulse
you left ticking in my wrist,
can’t teach the night to forget
the ghost of your almost kiss.
I really can’t—so I keep breathing,
letting the can’ts become my song,
every no a broken drum
still beating yes, yes, yes, too long.