The long dead form of Jessie James steps into the street
and challenges the dark menacing shadow before him,
His hands to his hips barely touching the tip of his guns,
while his eyes glazed and dead stare upon his nemisis.
Slowly, they make their way forward- the moment hushed
as people gather in the saloon to watch,
and the moon above covers with dark eerie cloud
while the coyote lets out a howl so mournful
it sends a shiver through the town.
Jessie's footsteps echo across the street
while his nemisis's long black coat sways around him,
his hands twitching in anticipation of the draw to come.
You hear the sighs of the crowd awaiting the outcome
and sense the fear that drives their curiousness
as the two flaking, bony, forms slowly approach,
their dripping skin falling to the ground in pools of mould.
And the moment arrives as they stare the dead mans stare,
both taking the stance as the coyote once again howls,
and the hands of both rip their guns from their halsters.
They aim and fire and from their guns falls the little flags...
Trick or treat and for a moment, Jessie smiles
as a great heavy fog fills the street - and as they both vanish
into the mist we hear the cry....until next year, Jessie.
31.10.2009
Author notes
The past comes alive on this night.
As the wind howls through town,
tumbleweeds roll down the street.
All the windows and doors are shut tight.
In the distant hills,
a coyote calls.
If you listen closely,
you’ll hear a tune
as dance hall girls twirl.
Just down the street
out of the corner of your eye,
a door sways on creaking hinges.
You pause in the dark
and hear the sidewalk creek.
Out of the shadows,
A ghastly site –
In a list
A contest entry
- Ghastly Sight by west-word.
1400 points, ended November 3, 7 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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Very amusing
Good take on the prompt had me going there for a moment lol
gruesome looking picture would frighten the crap out of me on a dark night
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This was so cool! I was on the edge of my seat all the way through. What an ending! I really enjoyed this immensely. I could see it play out in my mind. You are a great writer.
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Thank you, my friend. Love your comments.
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Thank you kindly! I feel you deserved the trophy far more than me.
I really enjoyed your write too, did not expect that ending at all. You have an enviable way of including comedic and dramatic tones in your pieces that feels so natural.
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Thanks, mate. I'm not the greatest at comedy but sometimes you manage to pull them off.
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Yey,
A trick of the mind, yet a definite treat - nicely done.
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Thank you. Much appreciated.
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lol.... nice ending. thank you and good luck in the contest.
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Come on...You can do it
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