to borrow words (a dream deferred)

no
is the lowliest word
that pokes at my gut like -
well, you, for one. entitlement
shrouded in a shimmering gun
in your hand
on your leg
barely peeking through
until you smile and it's like -
well,
there's nothing to describe it.

no
leads me to examine the
inverse proportionality of your love
to his.
(or maybe it's my outlook).
how mild apathy can stream from your eyes
but that's his emotion,
and he's being wise.

no
is a distraction from facts,
like a bird with a worm.
i'm thinking,
"look!
no,
look away!" it will happen
some other day.

but it won't.
because of -
well,
no.