When Autism Had No Name In Memory of Billy G.1938-1952

by Donal Mahoney

Cowlick Billy
always runs

up the alley
down the street

sniffing things
on hamster feet.

No one knows
why Billy runs

up the alley
down the street,

hours on end,
sun or sleet,

and no one cares
even though

when Billy stops
to take a leak

schoolmates ask
shy Billy why

he's always laughing
when he runs

and Billy smiles
and almost says

goodness gracious
don't you know

things are sour
things are sweet

up the alley
down the street.