Lockjaw

Compatriots we are face to face,
Barely inches apart,
Strenuous palpitations almost audible,
There is so much to be said,
I begin to broach my mouth,
Tongue longing to prattle sentiment,

But the jaw rebels at once,
Grinding to a painful halt,
Hamstringing my longing tongue,
Leaving so many words unsaid,
Prisoners to a cruel muscle spasm,
But did they truly deserve to be uttered?

Or has your jaw defended your character?