Shootout
 
The man wearing black walked into the street
adjusting his stride to the midday heat.
 
The sun was straight up and boiling that day
whiskey and anger had brought him this way.
 
Hands slapped leather grabbin for iron
both men pulling their hog leg and firin'.
 
Inside the stores they bet on the outcome
cowboys and drifters who wanted to win some.
 
The man in black had let loose all five
his opponent staggered and fell, but alive.
 
Witnesses carried him off from the fight
later, alone, he died in the night.
 
Around the bar bets got paid off
back in the corner, Doc started to cough.
©Steve Dirksen