Definitions

It’s not the words.

Damn it – it’s not the words,

'Must' is inexorable,
a verbal panzer churning flower gardens
into post-mortemed possibilities,
a humourless roundhead,
whiff of old sweat
and diesel fumes.

       it’s

'Shall' is clear, bold and hard,
a moonlight diamond,
Victoria’s secret battleship -
ironclad, smoky, steaming
the oceans of dreams and wishes,
daring somebody to get in its way.

       the places

'Should' is a sham,
  a shame,
   a shaman.
It offers a choice and then magically denies it.
Should is the last stale sandwich in the last
 open diner in town.

       they

'Could' is a nothing, a nubbin,
opening phrase for failed excuses,
exhorter of burned lungs.
Could is a slipped can-opener,
spraying blood and kidney beans
across the parquet floor of
one’s ambitions.

       lead you to

'May' is the hopeful word,
a yellow butterfly in a cathedral sunbeam,
keeping wishes alive
in the face of grey options.

       if you’re willing to be led.