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©
February 2, 2001