No, No, Yes

She needed to say no.

That's what she says.

Or rather, it's what I say.

I needed to say no.

This is getting confusing

this life, this art.

At any rate, no is a word

that sticks

at the top of my soft palate

paralysed tongue

oesophagus blocked

can't breathe

too nasal

exhale

inhale.

No. No. No.

I'm tense.

It's my face.

It's tense.

I'll practise again.

No.

And I needed to say no to you.

I've been wondering if I've used up

all my 'yes's

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Rolls off the tongue

overflows

if you're doing it right

the eyes say it first

before any hint of breath

don't waste it

vibrations.

Yes is easy

raise the tongue, from the middle

an eye brow if you like,

cheeky.

What was the question?

Sorry, did you say something?

I thought you did.

My mistake.

No. No. Yes.

Don't waste it.

Check in with the eyes.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Vibrations.