The Gunfighter Was Ready

The Gunfighter Was Ready The coach arrived engulfed in blowing dust, this day carrying more than precious gold, a gunfighter, his sending for was a must, needed was a fighter wild, fast and bold. Confident as he stepped into dirty street, eying all around for any deadly threat, looking for the lady he was to meet, a job he took on a personal grudge and bet. No nervous edge did he feel this day, a calm resolve filled his icy veins, find the lady , get his precious pay, each deadly job building his earthly gains. Early morning sun, gave a blinding glare, as a beautiful lady stepped from the crowd, keen senses felt her admiring stare, well before her welcome rang out so loud. First to invite this vision for a meal, business could now be delayed, her beauty set in him a strange new feel, so different than the usual price he was paid. Soon small talk shifted to what needed done, three lives that fate called to be erased, evil men, so fearsome they'd never run, a task , quite deadly that must now be faced. Details settled, the marks now must be shown, each victim's soon to be shot and dying face, falling to the gun-speed he had decades to hone, no man ever matched his accuracy and swift pace. With foolish bravado each man faced his threat, first two were dispatched with the usual ease, last one was the target of his personal bet, a fast gunfighter, fate so often did please. Day came, the sun beamed in a brilliant sky, he could finish the personal job he sought, there was a reason , none knew the reason why, this last gunfighter had now been caught. That morn as the town clock struck nine, speeding bullet did end the evil life, joy returned , all was now so fine, man dead, that had long ago killed his wife. Last payment he waved away with a smile, this course he had set so long ago, accomplished with dedication, speed and guile, sun shone brightly as galloping away he did go. Robert J. Lindley , 12-10-2014