The Message

The Message

“Just so you know, we found a bone

As yet, identity’s unknown

There’s confirmation to be done

But it could be your missing son.

We cannot tell you very much

It’s likely press will be in touch

It’s quite important you’re aware

You could be in the public glare.

We were lucky to find this

These things are so easy to miss.

And it seems strange that this was found

Beside a tree near the playground

By a lady and her son

As they went for their morning run

They were really quite upset

We haven’t checked in with them yet.

This could mean a big breakthrough

And could be closure now, for you.

We’re sure you must feel satisfied

At least you’ll know that he has died.

We’ll let you know if it is him

When all the evidence is in

It could be a lengthy wait

It all depends on the bone’s state

We hope you’re happy with this news

We hope it’s something we can use

The missing case could then be closed

Just hope it’s not too decomposed.

We’ll update you either way.

I’ll let you get on with your day

And your trip with your grandson

Hope you both have lots of fun”

And then, just as the voicemail ends

My grandson runs to meet his friends

Across museum’s shining floors

To see the bones of dinosaurs.

But, what if it went like this?

The Message

“Sorry to disturb, it’s Chris

I’m really sad to tell you this

It seems that we have found remains

You’ll go through this ordeal again

We never like this kind of find

It can prey on any mind

Dealing with this kind of stuff

We have to show that we are tough.

And if it’s not your missing son

Then it’s the loved one of someone

Who would, no doubt, feel as you do

But right now, I just wish we knew

Investigations take a while

To match the missing persons file

It could be quite a long process

Hope you’re not harangued by Press

And it seems strange that this was found

Beside a tree near the playground

By a lady and her son

As they went for their morning run

They were very traumatised

I do not think they realised

That they would have this awful shock

We’ll make sure they get space to talk.

It might not come to anything you see

But we owe you the courtesy

Of telling you of this update

And all that we can do is wait

But there is support for you

Let Missing People help you through

We are thinking of you all

And if there’s any news we’ll call”

And then, just as the voicemail ends

My grandson runs to meet his friends

Across museum’s shining floors

To marvel at the dinosaurs.

Took the same time. #behuman

Written by Martha McBrier, Helplines Manager