The candles flickered eerie shadowed light upon the walls

The figure sat there silent where the greatest darkness falls.

The body sat stock still as thoughtful eyes roamed free

Searching for some answers he needed desperately.

His hands were clasped together and squeezed from time to time

He asked some silent questions, and waited for a sign.

The nightmares that kept waking him he knew so very well

They were coming more and more now, whenever darkness fell

Desperation brought him to this place, he needed to find some peace

He thought he’d never find it, but he needed the release.

Too many demons roamed around his troubled, tortured mind

He’d searched so long for answers, but nothing could he find

So here he was, seated, upon a polished pew

Begging for a guiding hand to help to see him through.

Looking down at trembling hands he took a shaky breath

The turmoil that racked his body was scaring him to death.

‘Dear God I need your help tonight, your strength to guide me through

I didn’t know who to turn to, so here I am with you.

I know I’m far from perfect but if Josiah’s to be believed

You don’t want perfection unless I’ve been deceived.

I’ve sent you many people with a bullet from my gun

And in my mind I justified each and every one

I’m sure you know of all the rumours, that I’m the one to beat

So in a way, I have had no choice but to compete.

But the blood that stains these hands of mine is now a shade too red

And  so I’m wondering if it’s time for me to die instead.

After all I have said many times that I cannot go on

So If I chose to take a bullet, would that be so terribly wrong?’

A heavy sigh left his lips, as his head went to his hands

He ran his fingers through his hair, loosening tousled strands.

Thoughts raced around inside his head, while a silence lingered on

And Chris suddenly wondered where his wandering days had gone.

He raised his head and watched the light dance around the room

Thinking how his life has changed the day he saw *that* broom.

His eyes glanced to the ceiling, and then settled in his lap

It was time now to be honest, it was time to fill the gap.

 ‘I take care of this town now, and I’m thinking that that’s good

But if I had to kill to save it, you and I know that I would.

I’m finding it hard to draw the line, what makes killing right?

I can’t come up with answers, so I’m hoping that you might.

I’m trying to figure it in my head, but my thoughts aren’t worth a damn

So please Lord help me out with this, I don’t know who I am.’

He swallowed hard and closed his eyes, the eyelids pulled in tight

He really didn’t want to sob, but he really thought he might.

His brows drew in a fraction when his ears picked up a sound

If he was not mistaken it was footsteps on the ground.

He sat stock still upon his pew, as he felt someone draw near

But for some unknown reason, he felt not an ounce of fear.

Someone sat beside him, laid a hand upon his arm

He turned his head and knew right then, he was far from harm.

Blue grey depths looked right back at him, truth was in the gaze

‘Josiah,’ Chris uttered softly, thoughts going many ways.

The preacher nodded slowly, his eyes never left his friend

He was searching for the words to say, to make his nightmare end.

‘Chris I’m sorry that I listened but if you really want to know

You’ve survived all of this time, because God wants it so

You’ve asked for some guidance but you’ve received it every day

Listen to your heart and you’ll hear what God has to say.

He’ll always be beside you, and help you see it clear

So don’t ever think he’s left you, ‘cause he’s very, very, near.

And if you’re wondering if your soul is lost, or if it has been found

It’s not hard to find the answer, just take a look around.’

With a little wink, Josiah finished what he had to say

And hoped he’d done a little to help his friend to find his way.

He could see that some questions still remained in Chris’s eyes

But only one man knew the answers, and he dwelled up in the skies.

Chris sat still and thoughtful, taking in what had been said

It wasn’t the answers he wanted, but it’s what he got instead.

A small smile touched his handsome face, as he rose up from his pew

He held out his hand to the preacher who took it in his two.

‘Thanks Josiah…’ Chris grimaced, ‘That doesn’t seem enough’

‘What you just did for me…well I’d have found it tough.’

A toothy grin filled Josiah’s face, ‘Brother, I just did my best’

He released his hold on Chris’s hand, ‘Now you go get some rest.’

The troubled man smiled and nodded, and walked out of the church

Josiah watched from the doorway, and what he saw made his heart lurch.

As Chris passed a darkened building, a figure came to view

And although it was very dark outside, it was a figure Josiah knew.

Vin Tanner stood watching his best friend as he walked on

And although his step was lighter he knew some demons hadn’t gone.

Chris continued down the darkened street, as more figures came in sight

Stepping from dark corners as their friend walked in the night.

Five figures joined together, united in their aim

And  Josiah came up beside them, and six they then became.

The seventh kept on walking, not wanting them to know

That he knew they were behind him, but it made his insides glow.

He’d known a lot of people as he’d travelled life’s rough road

But none had ever touched him or helped relieve his load

Not until he’d joined up with six unlikely men

Had he found the courage to live his life again.

He almost stopped dead in the street, some words clear in his mind

If you look around you, the answer you will find.

‘Thank you’ he said quietly to whoever it was who listened

And green eyes shone out brightly where silent tears now glistened.

One question could be answered, he knew for sure because

The six fine friends behind him would help him find out who he was.

By Jackie