The Face In the Lake

Wiley McCracken was many things, But it can be said he was no fake— Yet folks only smiled and they nodded When he spoke of the face in the lake. They said it was years of prospectin’, Then long years of hard north woods loggin’, That made him see the world different And may have somehow touched his noggin’. Ol’ Wiley never paid mind to creeks Or oceans or all them wild rivers— But when he came round to a clear lake, It gave us all shakes and the shivers. He’s slowly ease up to that lake’s edge And peer out blankly into the blue— While cowpokes or whoever would watch, Just to see what fool thing he would do. Wile would gaze into the lake water, Then he’d shake his head like he was sad— And he’d stare at faces around him, Like he was searchin’ for something bad. Then he traveled with a wagon train And they took out headin’ to the west— And Wile sadly watched the lakes they passed, Knowin’ that not lookin’ then was best. But the train stopped outside a near town, Then sure ‘nuff, there was a lake and face— But ol’ Wiley couldn’t help himself And by water’s edge he took his place. Then there came forth a tall, fair gambler, Who some said went by the name of Bill— That stood next to Wiley by the lake To see if that dark face was there still. “I had me a dream,” the gambler said, “About swimmin’ to the other shore”— But he only saw his own pale face And he would not look on it no more. ”I never see my own face,” said Wile, “It’s the one thing I look for, friend— I only see the next to pass on And a number, just now that was ten.” The gambler grew even paler yet, For now, at long last he understood— He’d be dealt a hand in that saloon In the ill-fated town of Deadwood. Next day, Wiley McCracken returned To look again at the lake and face— While Wild Bill was makin’ history And Wiley’s image now took his place.