We searched for the boy

We searched for the boy

We searched for the boy,

flashlights in hand stepping

over our political signage,

and away from our screens,

breaking from nightly routine

in search of a boy, autistic,

five years old who wandered off

from the neighbor’s yard,

we yelled for Theo, promising him

ice cream. We circled up, speculated

his movements drawing on collective

memory and knowledge of this place

checked the parks and yards,

We searched for the boy

and cheered the Bloodhound

when the Shepherds lost scent

And held out faith after four hours

Together, we searched for the boy

Until he was found.