strong hostile steps across the mesa
blood moon high again another night
Gunslinger walked for two hard days
n'er stopped for food, water or rest

Deadman's Gap in the valley below
walked down its dusty street alone
Jake's Place, rot-gut bar next stop
swinging doors gave way, .45 in hand

woman's shriek stopped short by lead
Love fell across Elijah, blocking view
table pushed over, Elijah was a-shootin'
bullet tore through Gunslinger's hand

on the floor, looking up at his killer
weapon of his death pointed at him
Gunslinger prepared himself to die
he'd meet Love on the other side

but no, the gun fell from Elijah's hand
a tomahawk dead center of his throat
he heard the voice; sounded familiar
 a female voice he had heard before

Momma Jo saved your worthless hide
redhead said, ma was Apache, pa Navaho
you owe your life to me Gunslinger
think I'll start collecting here and now

©Jerry Bolton