the goodness of couldness

Could is full of magic, like this brownie. And I could eat this brownie and see magic.

I was thinking about what prompt I “could'' do for today as I was walking Jane this morning. And my brain started to think about the word, “could.” It’s full of so much potential and possibility.

It’s more powerful than “can '' because it comes with a bit of a holding back of one’s cards. It’s not saying it straight up. It’s keeping some secrecy. It’s full of magic. It opens up curiosity and provides a place for inquisitiveness. 

If I “could” do something, that’s opening up an opportunity to possibly maybe — or maybe not — do that thing. I like the swagger the word has. 

It’s polite and condescending at the same time. It’s the truth and tricky to decipher true sentiment. 

I could do anything I want, but really can I? 

Is it really feasible to perform brain surgery? Well, I could do. This is a phrase I picked up from my British friends. I mostly hear it in response to an invitation. 

“Hey, would you be up for a hike this weekend?”

“Yeah, I could do.” 

This is cheeky, yet another British word. Because here they are responding with intended interest, or aren't they? Maybe they're just being polite and they’d actually rather not and instead find lazier plans to do over the weekend that don’t involve having to able themselves out of the house. 

“Could” implies capability. “Can” signifies ability.

I could write more on this topic of the goodness of couldness. Or I could just close it down here. 

I hit my three pages for the day anyway, and I’m ready to maybe, possibly start my day. 

“I think I can, I think I can,” said like a true Little Engine That Could.

Or could I? Sure, I think I could do. ;)