Odds Against
 
Just a thin shirt shielded the boy from the cold
but his gun hand was warm for the fight.
 
A lopsided hat propped close to his eyes
pulled one ear down on the right.
 
Outside the door of a dreary saloon
a man with a star took delight in the kid
and challenged him, using harsh words for spite.

The kid's hand itched, ready to draw

knew the lawman would be his tonight.
 
"Sheriff." He called, "I don't like you none,
so pull on me law dog, I'm feelin' alright."

A small crowd gathered from inside the bar

watching from shadows, out of the light.
 
Rain started falling and lightning crashed
adding suspense to the dangerous sight.
 
Both guns fired till a round found its mark
killing one man with it's quick deadly bite.

The Sheriff winked as his deputy walked up.

Outdone by odds, the kid lost the fight.
©Steve Dirksen