Western Promises

My shadow rotates, 

As I wait for the suns highest point,

I hear his spurs jingle, 

Like a pocket full of coin.

Squaring up in front of me,

Noon five minutes away,

With the chime of the first bell,

One of us will lay.

The warm breeze blows,

Revealing ivory grips with silver inlay,

With four minutes to go,

I look to God and say;

"Lord I know I've sinned,

My hands tell stories my mouth never could,

I'm asking for an undeserving favor,

Hear me out, if you would.

I'm Not going to ask you to guide my hand,

Or fly my bullets true,

Just please keep my daughter safe,

From the troubles my death will accrue."

I receive no signs from above,

No proof of prayer receipt,

"Sorry Lord, I must ask another,

Forgive my deceit."

With three minutes to go, 

I offer my soul for the taking,

In a deep whispered voice I hear;

"The granting of your wish is in the making."

Confirmation of prayer,

Brings peace to mind,

Sacrificing eternal happiness,

A price, I will pay every time.

With two minutes remaining,

The crowd grows silent,

Holding their breath,

Anticipating something most violent.

Though killing isn't my business,

A lesson I must bestow,

Upon the witnesses here today,

With less than a minute to go.

Using a standard cross draw,

At the chime of the first bell,

I evict all six occupants,

To the ground, his lifeless body fell.

As the smoke clears,

And the wind calms down,

I find myself at ease,

With both knees on the ground.

I see my breath escape,

On the hottest day in June,

In a hushed tone I hear,

"Relax, I'll see you soon."