The Can Opener
My sister’s favourite word is no,
she ties herself in nots.
We’re searching for a can opener
so she can make it stop.
I’ve told her every cannot
starts with a can
she needs to twist the handle
return where this began.
I know if she digs deep enough
her cans will wrestle free
when she lifts the lid on yeses
she’ll have more fun with me!
she ties herself in nots.
We’re searching for a can opener
so she can make it stop.
I’ve told her every cannot
starts with a can
she needs to twist the handle
return where this began.
I know if she digs deep enough
her cans will wrestle free
when she lifts the lid on yeses
she’ll have more fun with me!
This poem is copyright (©) Emma Phillips 2026

About the Writer
Emma Phillips
Emma is a poet, short fiction writer, mum and teacher from Devon. She lives near the M5, which sometimes lures her off on adventures. She has been writer-in-residence at Tiverton Museum for 2024-2025 where she has enjoyed scribbling away between the Wool Trade and the Stocks. She is hopelessly addicted to crisps.