The town of no (poem)

All copyright remains with the author. No use of any kind is permitted without express written permission from Melanie Heard.

The town of no

Is south of doubt

And around the bend

From roundabout.

It’s east of worry

Northwest of hate

And you’re very close

If you’ve found wait.

The town of no

Has orchards, still.

The man of questions

Lives in the hill.

No’s old and young

And smartly dumb.

When it’s hot in no

Your heart goes numb.

The town of no

Has one place to eat

But they don’t have food

Only sweets.

The library doesn’t

Have books you need.

The nursery doesn’t

Sell any seed.

The town of no

Sells buried dreams

And drowned compassion

And love it seems.

The town of no

Is where most reside

You can live here too

If you abide.

The town of no

Is down the street

Or around the corner

Or at your feet

It’s easy to find

And everyone goes

When instead of yes

People tell themselves no.