Can I?



I am so tired.
Not the overworked underpaid underappreciated type of tired.
No, it’s deeper, much deeper.
A constant ache to the bone.

How many self-help books can I read?
How many seminars and past life readings do I need?
I just want to look in the mirror and like who I see and stop searching for the wrinkles and whatever else that is lurking underneath

It would be great to have a day to not say I am sorry to anyone for anything.
To not overthink, and to have a drink for pleasure, not to take the edge off my wearied mind
Curl up in the in the blanket of a well lived day and gently drift to the edge of tomorrow

Can I wipe off the mask and still recognize myself?
Can I accept gray as my new favorite hair color?
Can I be comfortable being a single woman of a certain age?
Can I continue to dream and chase them into the ether?

Can I forgive myself for mistakes I’ve made and appreciate the lessons?
Can I keep the past in the rear-view mirror?
Can I walk away before I need to run?
Can I work hard, rest and not obsess?

Can I trust myself, my gut, my intuition and my god given ability to see what is not seen?
Can I appreciate the irony of a situation and still find the humor in it?
Can I take responsibility for my life and the choices I’ve made?
Can I ignore red flags and accept the consequences?

Can I forgive a betrayal and not use it as a weapon?
Can I love completely and not lose myself?
Can I build a new life without using pieces from the old one?
Can I remember in the darkest of times there are angels among us?

Can I set my soul on fire and rise above the ashes unscathed, reborn?
Can I transform, transcend and become transcendent?
Can I?
All is possible if you just ask the question.

About this poem

This poem is about the discovery and acceptance of yourself.

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Submitted by lisacampbell29 on March 11, 2025

1:51 min read
339

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABX CCX XXX DBXB XBEF XXXX EDEF XXXE
Closest metre Iambic octameter
Characters 1,724
Words 371
Stanzas 8
Stanza Lengths 4, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4

Lisa Campbell

 · 1966 · Ohio

I am 56 years old. I love to write poems, short stories and lyrics. more…

All Lisa Campbell poems | Lisa Campbell Books

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Discuss the poem Can I? with the community...

10 Comments
  • Hesa
    Some days I ask myself these questions as well... I fear one day this silky hair will turn rough and lifeless. I want to accept myself but I truly fear the future.
    LikeReply 16 days ago
    • lisacampbell29
      Thank you for taking the time to read my poem and comment. Fear is a very real thing. I find that taking care of myself as best I can and doing and trying new things really brings joy and purpose to my life. Take care! Lisa 
      LikeReply3 days ago
  • ladyygracious
    Sure! You can.
    LikeReply 17 days ago
  • sgtusmcrec0n
    Left me SPEECHPESS! Which is hard to do. WOW!
    LikeReply 17 days ago
    • lisacampbell29
      Thank you for reading and commenting on my poem! Take care.
      LikeReply7 days ago
  • karlcfolkes
    To cut to the chase, yes you can!
    LikeReply 17 days ago
    • lisacampbell29
      Thank you so very much for reading my poem and taking the time to comment on it. Greatly appreciate you!
      LikeReply7 days ago
  • miraculousthemodel
    Lisa,Wo!
    LikeReply 18 days ago
    • lisacampbell29
      Thank you for reading and commenting on my poem
      I appreciate you!
      LikeReply8 days ago
    • miraculousthemodel
      I had to say 'Wo!' because your poem truly left me speechless. It so powerful and beautifully written. You capture the introspective journey of self-acceptance and the delicate balance between healing and growth. The questions you ask resonate with anyone who has struggled with self-doubt and the search for peace. It’s a raw and empowering reflection on transformation. Your words are a reminder that even when we don’t have all the answers, we have the strength to keep going. Thank you for sharing such a profound and uplifting piece. ✍️ 
      LikeReply 17 days ago
    • lisacampbell29
      You are so very kind. I am so glad and relieved that this poem would resonate with people. Writing from personal experience and the heart is cathartic. Take care, Lisa.
      LikeReply7 days ago
    • miraculousthemodel
      Writing from the heart always creates the deepest connections, and your work definitely does that. It’s an inspiration to us all. I Look forward to more of your work.
      LikeReply6 days ago
  • PriscillaKing
    That selfconscious stage in life...
    LikeReply 18 days ago
  • watson_haziee_25
    it's so beautiful
    LikeReply 18 days ago
  • crucifiedinhim2
    Well written
    LikeReply 18 days ago
    • lisacampbell29
      Thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate you!
      LikeReply8 days ago
  • Akinpet23
    You can
    LikeReply 28 days ago
  • EdwinRayTanguma
    I haven’t a clue as to why the following entered my small mind… https://youtu.be/UMmgZA5nlrE
    LikeReply 18 days ago

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"Can I?" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 20 Mar. 2025. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/216155/can-i?>.

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