Gone Missing

First his fingers had to go there.
They had to grasp and manipulate
the ever loosening object
that was once held firmly in place.  

One good pull would have done it –
One firm tug –
One quick yank –
But NO! Not yet!
Fingers had to go there again and again,
until the final moment it had to be wiggled,
one small bit at a time
turned around and then
at last
it is set free.
It is out.
Gone.
Missing.  

The tongue must now visit the empty cavity that is left.
As though it is the mouth of the Grand Canyon,
there is a new cavernous entry there when he smiles.
An open space
deep and wide
where his tooth has now
gone missing.