Black Woods

Do you know where our child has gone?

I’m sorry. Do you know what has become

of him? I’m sorry. [        .] Is he hiding

in a closet? No. Is he crouched among

the shoes? No. [        .] Should we look

in the closets? He’s not in the closets. [        .]

Should we check the empty boxes? He’s not

in the empty boxes. It’s very cold out. [        .]

Probably he’s hiding behind the couch.

Come out, come out! I will count to ten.

One, two, three — He’s not behind the couch.

[        .] It’s very cold out. [        .] Probably

he’s playing a trick. It isn’t a trick. He’s probably

hiding above the ceiling tiles. Hello up there!

He’s not in the ceiling. [        .] It’s very cold out.

[        .] Did he go out? No. Was he wearing

a jacket? No. Was he wearing boots

and a hat? [        .] It’s just black woods

out there. [        .] Did you give him your jacket?

[        .] Did you offer him your jacket? [        .]

Maybe he’s in disguise. Disguise? In your hat

and jacket. Disguised? [        .] Disguised

as you. [        .] Did he climb through your window?

Listen to yourself. Did he step inside you?

Listen to yourself. Is he trapped inside you?

Let go of me. Is it black woods in there?