I can’t say I can’t
For I have been forbidden to do so
An injunction I can’t obey
And so I can’t say I can’t say I can’t

The great achieve perfection
As I have read in books
As for example the communion of
Sound and sense in poetry

Elegant lineation
Precise punctuation
Forceful diction
Verbs without nominalization

I can’t say I’m a bad person
I can’t even say I’m a bad poet
I can’t make it easy for the critics
The critics don’t seek to look to chase to find me

See any metaphors
Hear any images
Cobble any synaesthesia
Who’s this I I can’t say

I can’t imitate the great masters
I can’t perceive the method of their achievements
I can perceive the achievements barely
I can’t say that I am impotent

I can’t say that I never enjoy pleasure
I can’t conceive of purity
As for example of pleasure
Unmixed with pain

I can’t take action
I can’t rest assured of success
I can’t win
I can’t show up

I can’t stop myself from thieving
I can’t control impulse
I can’t give in to impulse
I can’t give in to enjoyment

Others have expressed the failure of the gift of speech
Others have described the crash of lofty ambitions
Others have detailed the anguish of ineffectual lovers ineffectual warriors
I can’t do that

These trees that promise continuity
This rainy weather that softens the light
These birds who murmur their ecstasy
This music forever new and as old as ruins

I can’t enumerate the stars we see
I can’t call to mind my favorite color
I can’t call to mind my mother’s face
I can’t draw a straight line

I can’t lacerate myself efficiently
I can’t draw blood from a poor turnip
I can’t avoid cliches or adjectives without insistence
I can’t remember my sins

I can’t say I can’t say I can’t say I can’t say I can’t say I can’t
You know what that means
Tomorrow never comes for the lazy worker
I can’t decide what I’m talking about

I can’t irony
I can’t contradict myself
I am partial
I spill