simply asked, "what would you do
if men with guns pointed them at you?"

you wore a badge upon your vest
while living in the wild, wild west

you could be the one the gals admired
the mayor be pleased with who he hired

perhaps waking from the nightmare be
a happy ending you would see

is this something that would make you think
or you may just order another drink

slump back and ponder the scene
to toast reality and all it seems
MiNN©

gathered in a circle
hands gripped, ready for fire
bound to protect what's theirs
hearts steamy with desire

do they love the feel of steel
beneath their fingers
or the strength of the bullet
after pulling the trigger?

what is it about these children called men
the fight is deadly as it ends
arguments get loud and fierce
ending with a shrilling pierce

nothing can turn back the hands of time
killing is an irreversible crime
MARYea©

Ah reckon it's time the tale wuz told,
'Bout the two toughest gunslingers the West could hold.
Short-tempered and nasty, fearless and bold,
They'd kill a man fer a nugget o' gold.

First wuz Obnoxious Orville, an ornery old coot,
He'd steal from the rich and just keep the loot.
The ladies all loved him and thought he wuz cute,
'Til weddin' bells chimed and Orville would scoot.

Next ah'll tell y'all 'bout Dastardly Dade,
Fast on the draw, a horse thief by trade,
Just a little bit stupid, no fear he displayed,
Foul-mouthed and filthy, but a geetar he played.

Both a mite sweet on Miz Sally Sue,
One wink in public and a fight did ensue.
Both of 'em were fast and everyone knew,
'Twould be an ill wind no matter which way it blew.

They dueled at noon, the air filled with lead,
Both of 'em fired first, everyone said.
A slug in the heart and a slug in the head,
So Orville and Dade shot each other dead.

This story has a moral, if you give a hoot,
If yer sneaky and lyin' and cheatin' to boot,
Some time before noon, when yer scheduled to shoot,
Be sure and kill the other galoot.
Theophilus©

Black as road tar
putrid as the taste of soap
and thicker than the drool of my dog
there is an art to good java
and I'll shoot any scoundrel
that blackens the name
of Mrs. Folgers
by spoilin the coffee.
Emerald_99©

Revenge becomes the ultimate debt
When people are unable to forget
Reflection of past woes of evil
Leads the world to more upheavel

Silence should have its turn as well
Living in this world feels like Hell
Maybe it's our faith that keeps us alive
There is a place where silence survives

Violence found its way into the world
The evil surfaced and became unfurled
Could we be free of evil again?
Yes, there's a way, I'll tell you when

Protection is what the innocent seek
Safety is gone for the strong or the weak
Just when you think there is nowhere to hide
There is a place where it cannot be denied

Death is the only place that I know
Where violence cannot come and go
Where revenge is silenced all the time
No protection needed, there is no crime
Heidi©

Truly a Lady ....I once was.
Dressed in the finest..bustle..feathered hat...gloves...and parasol.
"GO West Young Man" fell upon the ears of my Man.
"Join Me in a Life time adventure" ......requested did He.
Only moment hesitation ... off into the sun set on "OUR" journey.

Days were long .......tiring....
Nights cold ......hungry and scared.
Yet, no complaints from Me were heard.
With My Man ......going to where the Rainbow ends
And that glorious pot of Gold.

Finally arriving .......into the land of plenty.
Such abundance of milk and honey.
Immediately reality presented itself ....
Words exchanged ........ then became heated.
Shots rang out ....... my Man lay dead on the floor.

Land of Plenty .....yes that it be for sure.
Unruly Men a plenty ...... NO place for a Woman to be left alone.
Conditions became beyond unbearable......
Graces of a Lady ...... now lingers no more.
Value system quickly changed ... no room for hesitation.

Now at the Scroundral's mercy.... relentless services requested.
Unsavory demands now falling upon virgin ears.
Recipricate to survive this living hell
Refuse and succumb to finality
Nightly, distant thoughts of My Man cradling Me till I sleep.

Traveling from camp town to camp town.
Prostituting any decency still left within Me.
Tossed from One Man to another ...
OR simply thrown at Their feet in a heap.
Rising up...sensual presentation ....over and over ...all ending in a blur.

Across from the camp fire .....briefly Our eyes did meet.
No words floated mutually in the air for Our exchange only.
Heart beat raced for but a brief moment.
Once again reality slapped Me squarely in the face.

Attempting to arouse Their animal desires
Exchanged hopefully for a mere morsel of food and maybe a dry bed.
Angry words filled the air.
Whose turn was it NOW for the Camp Town Whore
Cringed ........silently cried.....for They spoke of Me

Once again Our eyes met...... mine pleading....
Quickly to His feet...... now reaching for His "Peace Maker.
Efforts proved futile .......now laying at My feet ....
The cold piece of steel ....within easy reach.
His eyes of blue now opened slowly ..... only I could see

Deep within a silent cry...... I trembled.
Fingers walking across dirt floor curling around the Colt 45.
Aimed in the direction of the ruthless offender.
Shaking...cocking of the trigger.......FIRED!
Clutching chest ...... falling lifeless ....no One responding.

Into the arms of the Man with eyes of blue.
Crying uncontrollably .....Thank HEAVENS ... He still be alive.
Alas .... My fate has turn in My favor.
No desire for milk N honey ....nor the pot of GOLD.
Just a Man to love Me .....and take Me to Our home.......
LongLeggedTXN©

His body steady his stance is set.
He has no fears not one he's met.
His eyes are stern his heart runs cold. 
That's what they say, that's how the story is told.
His skin is worn and toughened through the years.
His soul seems Calloused he knows no fears.
He is no longer young, he quickly grew old.
They say his heart is stone and his blood runs cold.
That's what they say, that's how the story is told.
Will he die by another man's hand;
or will he turn and walk away and be a better man?
It's plain to see by the look on his face,
he has no love at all for the human race.
His heart is stone and his blood runs cold.
That's what I heard them say, that's how the story is told.
As he stands to meet his fate, for just one second he anticipates.
No one cares or wonders why; it seems this man just wants to die.
I look into his eyes and he glances at me;
oh my God a tear I see. You are all wrong how can this be?
A heart of stone, his blood runs cold,
you are all wrong the way the story has been told.

He's not a man of stone or ice; he fell in love,
he gave his heart, and he paid the price.
You are all wrong you just didn't see; 
for the man standing there fell in love with me.
His love was strong yet I did him wrong, the shame lies on me.
I turned and walked away, I told him I wouldn't stay.
His love didn't matter, I walked away.
He said; "If you turn and walk away, 
my heart will die today, please I beg you to stay".
The story has been wrong I did him wrong;
I turned and walked away.
If you have a heart and soul that is strong, 
don't do it wrong, because a soul will die that day.
As he now faces his destiny all he ever wanted was to love me,
My heart is stone and my blood runs cold.
He is a loving, kind man, that will die by another man's hand;
please God tell him to turn and walk away.
No one will know how the story will end; 
but this is how the story should be told.
bonsquad© 

There aint no law out here ya know
your body twon't never be found
make one more move I'll shoot you dead
then lay you 6 feet underground.

The clanking of tin suddenly stopped
all the cattle and horses were still
only the cries of the girl were heard
begging, don't shoot him, Uncle Bill

Quiet girl, it just aint right
the good book says it's a sin
I promised your maw I'd protect ya
trust me, he twon't be botherin you again.

Now stay behind me out of the way
while I teach this scum respect
it ought to be known this far on the trail
just what behavior it is we expect.

He stood there staring hard and cold
hand perched above the barrel of steel
eyes never shifting not even a flinch
into the dirt he planted his heel.

Please Uncle Bill, no more blood
mamma wouldn't want it this way
I'll stay hidden away, I promise
just don't kill another man today!

Twon't be a gunfight here tonight
but I'll be watchin ever move ya make
keep your hands and eyes off the girl
or your life will be mine ta take.
Daisy©

Two dusty boots
and, A wagon wheel
Eyes so blue
looks like steel
Standing on legs
ready to kill
Guns will be drawn
at the first light of dawn
A woman will weep
as her children sleep
When the night comes
and, all is still
She will remember
Two dusty boots
and, A wagon wheel
Mystie_Blue©

he cut a fine figure as he strode manfully to dinner
wind blowing gently through his knatty scarf..
...a toss of scarlet at his neck...
it make ones knees weak... just to look at him..
to catch his glance.. on would simply swoon..

how he wanted to reach out and touch him..
to grab him.. and have his way..
hands poised over their waiting weapons...
what would uncle sigmund have to say?
nearly touching.. hands trembling..
as two greek gods.. preparing to battle
swords slowly extending

in moments.. they would descend to bathe
swift stream rolling down from the hot springs..
each: bared to the softly setting summer sun...
ready to scrub one another's back..
how long they had waited..
but no more...

tonight they would find their night blissfully spent
and rent assunder..
and tomorrow they would ride
gingerly in their saddles..
still feeling blissfully filled
and sated..
blessed once again by the beast with two fronts..
nevermore just cowpokes....
algore©

One wonders when his heart was taken
by a belle in blue his world was shaken.
This quick draw king, this roaming tumbleweed
traveling town to town like a wind blown seed.
Nameless man with a common face
looking for a home, seeking out his place.
Covered with the dust of the miles, he drops
down from horseback at the edge of town he stops.
El Dorado the sign boldly proclaims,
though now bullet ridden from practiced aims.
Boot steps echoing, spurs and tack both jangling
down the deserted street his horse he's leading.
Moving forward while looking around
straining to hear the slightest sound.
He pauses, debates while staring at the ground.
Ties up his stallion and through swinging doors he's bound.
Entering into the dark abyss
eyes adjusting so no detail he'd miss.
A quiet hush than greeted him
while a beauty approached saying "Welcome to Nin's"
All eyes were upon this stranger who did enter
he merely sauntered up to the counter hailing the bartender.
Leaning back, sipping his order
he took in all from stage to games of poker.
"Where can one find a place to stay?
and better yet one to bathe?"
He asked aloud to the random crowd
thinking to himself who knew silence could be so loud?
Some stared, some pretended to be bored
but none would answer, his question all ignored.
The squeaking, creaking of the door
signalled the arrival of yet two more.
Sweetest gal all dressed in blue,
while an angel in black followed through.
Greeted with guarded smiles
he instantly fell for the leader's wiles.
Sitting at their corner table
chatting with the help, most able.
Del did most nonchalantly try
the handsome stranger to espy.
Keeping him within her glance
while he was wondering if she was worth the chance.
Standing tall, he walked over to where their table was at
holding breath till both had nodded, than he sat.
"What brings you out to these here parts?
These days it's not for the faint of hearts."
The one in black
most politely asked.
"I keep looking for a place of my own,
where I belong and to call a home."
he answered, almost audibly sighing
while staring at the blue beauty most beguiling.
"How about yourselves?" he dares to question
waiting for an answer from these women.
"We ourselves were both invited."
the gal in blue had said.
"A deed of which we're worthy,"did the other say
"a debt we need sorely to repay."
Both grew silent, lost in their memories
a hardness growing toward their enemies.
"If you could use an extra hand,
mine, I'd be most willing to lend."
the stranger declared
wondering if his heart he'd bared.
The two girls looked up and laughed,
the man wondering where he'd gaffed.
"Hey, Zevy dear get this man another beer!
and a room with a bath, this one truly knows no fear."
The girl quickly delivered a fresh round
her feet barely touching the ground.
"A good true friend we held most dear
was foully murdered, now lies silent our sweet Balladeer.
we that day did both avow
to avenge this crime some how.
We finally found a promising lead
on those who did this evil deed.
Seems they had come back to town
hearing WE were no longer around.
But the townsfolk would not give in
to their craven demands and the ring leader's sin.
Retribution came quite quickly
some would say far too harshly.
Trains and stages all are barred
the school, the church not simply charred.
A whole population here kept captive
just to please one gunman's motive.
He will not desist, he will not rest
until us, the twins, he's put to the test."
finished the small red head in black
slowly tips her chair way back.
Faster than his eye can see
both gals are standing guns swinging free.
A glorious pair with shiny pistols,
Noting his confused looks she giggles.
Still laughing she than replies
"There is no need to disguise,
Del and Der the cowgirl twins
ready to get you out of any mess your in."
The smile the blue beauty did than flash
turned the words in his mouth to ash.
Somber than the faces grew
of these western cuties, two.
"Excuse us, but it's about that time...
to met up with a certain slime."
Del smiled again at the man
unknowing he was forming a plan.
The twins walked, silence in their wake
as their leave they did take.
Sauntering down the empty street
the outlaws camp the girls did meet.
Following the two brave girls
waiting for events to unfurl
the stranger stayed near by
keeping an ever watchful eye.
He saw the trap before it sprung,
rock through a window he had flung
to stall the ambush he was hoping
while loudly crying out a warning.
Del went down with crimson marking
Der pulled her to safety with both guns blazing.
Both were hit
but refused to quit
even when so out manned
they still were not out gunned.
The leader of the outlaw band
shouted "truce" and raised his hand
Though casualties on both sides taken
old debts could not be forsaken.
"One on one, a quick drawl duel
what could be more ritual
a way to end this dispute
the winner none could refute!"
Before either gal could respond
the stranger stood and faced the blonde.
"I'll take you on, unless you're scared"
The outlaw's anger visually flared.
He nodded his ascent
they proceeded without further comment.
Standing so short a distance apart
hands at the ready they did start.
Del and Der did peek
at this scene so bleak.
The stranger's backside blocking their view
as the duel did ensue.
Hands just inches from their goal
the tension started taking it's toll.
The blonde did try and make his move
his gun he hoped to first remove
and than to take the fatal shot
but that to be... was not!
Faster than a rattle snake striking
the stranger's guns in hand were shooting.
Down went the bad guy badly bleeding
still in shock and unbelieving
hitting the ground he was already cold
if there is truth in the stories told.
Del and Der by the stranger's side now stood
all had guns drawn, in case of no good.
"Was his time, he met his maker,"
Der looked at the rest, "any other takers?"
The band broke camp and away they scurried
as far away as they could get they hurried.
The stranger swiftly picked up Del and turned around
gently carrying her back into town.
Townsfolk gathered, this hero applauded
while with honors he was lauded.
A new sheriff the town did gain
and peace again did reign.
The healing twins went home and rested
happy that the outlaws been bested.
Seems that stranger'd found his home
and better still ... he'd never again be all alone.
der_girlo©

o master, man of the gun
use me well, fore i am but one
here in the chamber i sit
as a tool
waiting your call
the trigger you pull

pick the right moment
then quickyly you aim
rolling me up
before the pin
my target before me
to miss is a sin

aim well, man of the gun
you have me but once
then i am done
yet i am all that you need
im heavy of lead
and have lots of speed

and if your work is true
and you do it well
wheni hit his body
his soul will go to hell

O master,, use me well
Gargoyle©

I'm not saying your beans are all that bad,
well to tell the truth, they taste bout the best i ever had.
This aint worth drawin that gun, don't wanna put ya under...
I'm just tellin ya true, this gas is like rollin thunder.
Start using beano or its been said bakin soda even will work...
I gotta get rid of this gas, its driving the cattler beserk..
Let's sit a spell Cook, pour the coffee and break the bread
Just remember the next time you call me "toots sweet"
you're ass is gonna be dead....
Angelkiss4u2©

The dream is always the same,
something she no longer truly comprehends.
The heft, the weight
a comfort at his side, or in his hand.
The tension so delicious
anticipation building while he stands.
Glaring, staring down
calling out another man.
The smallest of infractions
either real or imagined;
used to force the tableau.
Scene replayed over again
until he finally met his match.
The life of some western man
wasted in the distant past.
A mere existence, never truly lived.
Simply another of her lower reincarnations
haunting her at night.
The man's machismo and need to fight
overcome in future generations.
Becoming, in the end ...
merely a reoccurring dream
she no longer truly comprehends.
rutile©

Faced off together
Guns at their side
For what are fighting
a mail-order bride?

Hardly seems worth it
To die for a bride
Specially for one
Who just came for the ride

Others sit and wait
For their bride to arrive
Watching this duel
Wondering, must they too die
mwm-(46now)©

So, it's come to this
...ten feet away and life or death
to hit or miss; and I am tired,
so worn from jerky riding
and regretting I was ever hired
for this long drive.

How can I look in this man's eyes,
his anger blood-shot from the dust
of Kansas? A man just lives, and tries
to do his best, do as he must.
It comes to this, a killing field
where neither of us dares to yield.

I don't want to die this way!
And I don't want to kill
a man I've lived with night and day.
And if I watch his hot blood spill,
then can I sleep on this hard bed
of earth and know that he is dead?

This ain't "Bonanza" on tee-vee,
or some romantic painting here
you picked to write about. We
squared our shoulders, faced our fear
and someone, though he did his best,
died tonight in this Old West.
Crispin©

Out all day in the sun and saddle
Herding horses and straying cattle.
After a plate of warmed chow
Listening to gentle lowing of the cows
Someone softly sings a song
About a woman he done wrong.
As the campfire slowly burns low
A midnight sky becomes aglow
With millions of brilliant heavenly stars
Making one feel how insignificant we are!
pixierose©

Sun scorched, fatigued from the long drive
exhausted cowpokes gather, spent beyond belief.
Cattle heading to market, bedded for the night
total darkness setting in, bringing temporary relief.

Cowboys continue to keep a watchful eye
with perseverance the perimeter they stride.
The muted lulling of the herd serenades them
keeping them awake upon their lonely ride.

The chuck wagon serves a final pot of stew
to the hungry vaqueros, who managed to survive.
In Kansas City they arrive tomorrow afternoon
head straight to the saloon for whiskey and ale.

Campfires amber glow highlights leathered faces
baked and beaten by an unforgiving sun.
Hardened men of steel, rugged inside and out
working and living by the law of the gun.

Trail drive was treacherous and long for all
nerves of steel showing effects of their toil.
Prepared to draw his gun, was Billy the Kid
determined to remain calm, while his blood boils.

Two stand face to face, with hatred filled eyes
Staring into the face of death, one will surely die.
They always rode together, now one crossed the line
tonight he'll pay the price, shall a tear fall from her eye?

In front of The Kid, Deadly Dan, a life long friend
trying to make some sense of this here dang 'ol fight.
Minutes before they sat at the campfire side by side
lost in thoughts of being in her arms tomorrow night.

The calm was broken with the mention of her name
Lily, sweetest nightingale to sweep into the west.
Many a cowboy she beguiled with her love songs
capturing their hearts, forevermore to possess.

Is all now hopeless or does a possibility remain
for Billy the Kid or Deadly Dan to simply walk away?
Must these lifelong friends continue to play this hand
which without any premonition they have dealt today?
Gitte© 

To stand or to just sit?
To speak or to suffer
The words and the bullets
Of outrageous others?

To stand and ever face
Offense and offender,
To fight or to be quiet,
Where is the true winner?

To be hot in the head
Or to eat the old stew
Of cold, calloused hearts,
Which this night will you do?

Will you stand up to fears
And tell the whole night
That you're willing to try
But you will not be quiet.

I will shout and will live
Or die with a BANG
And on every word true
My fate will now hang!

Go for it now! Let's see
Your strength and your metal!
Draw a line with your gun
And let's live or die forever!
Wes©
................................................................................................................