Three walked the riverbank,
their wellington boots
sucking the mud with every step.
The cold wind whistled about their ears,
making their eyes water
as they searched for the missing child.
On the other side of the water,
teams of police officers systematically covered the area,
heads down, grim expressions on their faces.
To a man, they all hoped the search would be called off
when the child was found safely elsewhere…

© Jaye Marie 2021