Seven men came riding in,

The sunset at their back,

Led by a gunfighter, valued friend,

Known by many as the Man In Black.

The times were tough, the living hard,

The MIB was not immune.

And the first stop on their chosen path

Was that once-lively town saloon.

The men sat at their table,

Chris’ back against the wall,

Always wanting to see the door,

Always ready for that oft-heard call.

The ghosts of card games, smoking guns,

The spirits of lives long gone

Wafted in and settled down

Replaying their solemn song.

Each man remembered by-gone days,

Chris let his mind run free

To all the things he had survived

Thanks to these men, his family.

I-78 stood tall and proud

As the warden’s last breath came.

His friends had come-he knew they would

They beat the jailers at their own game.

Ella Gaines had slashed his soul,

But those friends wouldn’t let it die.

They brought him back and held him up

The Seven’s strength none could deny.

A little boy saw his father’s death

He carried a heavy load.

Chris’ plan was well thought-out

Once again, the Seven rode.

A fake marshal showed his badge

Options were very few.

Chris wasn’t gonna let Vin hang

He did what he had to do.

The leader of this misfit group

Had demons they all knew well

Yet, through it all they worked as one,

Each stayed strong if a brother fell.

Larabee’s gang showed heroes’ hearts-

Trying with all they had

To do what’s right and give support

When the luck of the draw went bad.

That’s what friends do, that special kind,

Who don’t hesitate to stand

And be there when one of their own

Needs a helping hand.

The men were pleased with what they’d done

For the town, of course, but more.

They were pleased to find friends like themselves

Who were loyal to the core.

Chris looked around the table,

As one they rose to walk.

The memories were put to rest

There was no need for talk.

Seven men went riding out,

The sunset at their back.

Led by a gunfighter, valued friend,

Known by many as the Man In Black.

By Teresa