The Space Where 'Table' Used To Be

The tourist’s eyes,

kind, a question mark.

He said, "Where is the…?"

And I just stared.

The word, it was there.

A consonant, sharp,

a vowel, round.

But it wouldn't form.

Just a space.

A blank where 'table' should have been.

Or 'train'. Or 'door'.

The tongue felt thick,

a strange muscle,

unwilling.

He smiled, polite,

and walked away.

A small betrayal.

A closing door

I forgot how to open.