i have shoved
many a thank-you card
into the recycle bin,
skimming over the
cliches and turning
them into trash.

but this one,
this one i will keep.
it is not every day
that such a compliment
can fill every empty space
in my shadows of doubt.

it is only in your shadow,
of course, that the words
are even possible.
but they will stay with me,
forever inscribed in black ink
on my memory as i ask you back:
“What can’t you do?”