The dictionary changes hands.

Before: book.

Always: border.
Words line up

in their numbered meanings:

each definition, a trench

between what I say

and what you hear.
FREEDOM. n.

1.   A right invoked in the first person.

2.   Exposure when spoken by someone else.

3.   Slogan, depending on context.
PEOPLE. n.

1.   The group to which the speaker belongs.

2.   The group that excludes whoever hears the word.
FUTURE. n.

1.   Verb tense.

2.   Territory in dispute.

3.   Spoils claimed by whoever speaks first.
FAMILY. n.

1. Primary circle of affection.

2. Wall.

3. Wound.
ENERGY. n.

1.   Capacity to perform work. (Phys.)

2.   Bill.

3.   What some produce and others block.

4.   Vibration.
I turn the pages slowly.

Some terms are marked,

disabled for certain uses,

like blocked streets

on a map

I no longer recognize.
I go to the entry

that belongs to me.
DOUBT. n.

1.   Lack of certainty.

2.   Symptom of disloyalty.

3.   Unstable position between sides.

4.   Covert allegiance.
I look for something prior to that.
Something not yet used

against anyone.
—

BLANK SPACE. n.

1.   Interval between two columns.

2.   Error.
The dictionary remains open

on the table.

I remain here,

my throat making that useless gesture

that comes before speech.