One Horse Town

One Horse Town The boardwalks full of people only two stood in the street. The showdown of the century counting down to thirty feet. Black Bart said this towns too small for you and I to both be in it. Today's the day we found out which one of us will win it. Handy Randy took a spit and looked up at the sun. He said yep, the truth be known by the time this day is done. A hush fell over the town folks mother's hid their children's faces. The two men in the desert sun walked just a few more paces. The sheriff called out that's close enough! I'm a countin down from three. Who's the best in all the west this whole damn town will see. When he called that magic number Barts face turned black as night. Handy Randy drew his pencil and they both sat down to write. Randy wrote of springtime rain and the sound of childrens laughter. Bart penned a verse about Randy moving on to the hereafter. Then Randy wrote another verse so quick he made it rhyme. The sheriff said time is up Bart finished just in time. They filed into the saloon and they ordered up a drink. While the judges read their writings and told them what they think. Again the crowd grew quiet as they eagerly watched the show. Old Hank from the hardware store said he really liked Barts flow. The blacksmith from the stable stood up and cleared his throat. And in almost a whisper said I loved what Randy wrote. Bill that ran the old hotel said there ain't use denying. My wife is a Randy fan but she always ends up crying. The barber from on down the street trembled neath Barts gaze. He said Barts poetry's kinda dark but he likes it anyways. Some town folks started clapping you could hear the women sigh. For the third year in a row the judges ruled a tie. For some folks love the softer side while there's some that like it deep. And not all men do their dreaming at night while fast asleep. Once again the call was made the choice was handed down. Black Bart and Handy Randy stay in this one horse town. Edwin C Hofert