Western Warrior

{We take a break from our current story to bring you a new and different thing. This poem is written in the Old English style of alliteration. So, the lines don't rhyme, but two or more words in each line start with the same sound. The plot is derived from the story of Beowulf.}

The Western sky showed signs of rain.

Whispering winds wound their way

Through the paths of the prairie.

The owner of Ranch Beo bent his head

Sad to see his sixth man

Lost to the loathsome rustlers.

His stock was swiftly disappearing

And his men were no match.

The rustler chief chose sure-shots

To back up his unlawful boasts.

Gary had built Beo from the ground

And was ill-pleased to watch it perish.

He had sent his brother the sorry news,

But had since despaired of deliverance

From the pestilent bandits that plagued him

And threatened his livelihood.

Clouds rolled in to cover the mourning sky

And the world wept with Ranch Beo.

The noon sun neared its peak

And heated dreary desert town

Disturbed only by the dust of the riders

Galloping out to Gary's ranch.

A young man led the lot,

Eyes narrowed, never ceasing to see.

The straps were gone from his guns,

Safely tucked away, secure in their holsters

But ready to rid the world of rustlers.

At his back rode brave men

Time-tested friends, tried and true.

Their steeds pointed south,

Riding hard, heading for Ranch Beo

Because, as their Leader had lately said,

"Family calls, family answers."

Hooves pounded hard ground,

Kicking up dust and dirt and desert debris.

Ranch Beo's sentry spotted them

And gave word of it to Gary.

The rancher gathered his gun-hands

And awaited their arrival with anticipation

Showing on his otherwise stern visage.

The young men came fast, calling greetings

To the cautious welcoming committee.

Gary stared with unhidden surprise

At the band of broad-shouldered boys.

The leader leaped to the ground,

A smile splitting his face.

"Uncle Gary," he called in a glad tone.

The owner of Beo opened his arms

To his brother's youngest boy.

"Slim!" he hollered happily.

"A wonderful surprise. Welcome to Beo."

"You're a sight for sore eyes, Uncle.

Tell me of your troubles."

"A sad subject, Slim.

Rustlers weekly rob us

Of cows and cowboys alike.

They're camped by the cabin

Out near the North Ridge."

"We'll deal with them at dawn, Uncle."

"No, Slim. I absolutely won't allow

My brother's boy to risk his life."

"Family calls," Slim shrugged, "family answers.

We leave at first light.

The rustlers won't realize what happened.."

"Brave words, boy," the foreman said,

"But can you back them up?"

Slim pointed at a prairie rose,

Then his hand grabbed his gun

And the little flower lost its head.

"You're fast," the foreman agreed.

"I hope you heal fast, too.

A passel of lead is what you'll likely get."

Slim shrugged, unconcerned with unbelief.

The boys bedded down that night,

Fearless and well-fed.

The stars sparkled in the sky

As Ranch Beo soundly slept.

Before the sun hovered above the horizon,

Slim and his crew were cantering north.

Armed with six-guns and ammunition,

They were fearless and fierce,

Ready and willing for a ruckus.

They came to the cabin, unchallenged.

The rustler's skittish steeds shied away

From the unwelcome, unknown men.

Slim stood up in the stirrups.

"Y'all ain't welcome here anymore!"

His voice echoed through the valley.

"Get your gear and go!"

Sounds of sleep motion

Came from in the cabin.

Slim waited, his demands delivered,

Then jerked just as a bullet

Buzzed right by his head.

"That's their answer, boys,

Let 'em have lead!"

Guns blazed, bullets bit deep

Where they found flesh.

Sounds of screams rent the air.

Slim's two six-guns roared

And spat out sudden death.

Slim and his brave boys

Met the motley crew that morning

And the outcome was assured.

Cowardice lived in the cabin

And gave no great battle

To the warriors intent on winning.

The surving rustlers safely locked away,

Slim and his boys basked in glory

That day, still flushed with battle-fever.

A sumptuous supper awaited the heroes

And the singing and celebrating

Lasted long into the night.

The rustlers were rousted,

And Gary was glad.

He knew he needed his nephew

On Ranch Beo, but Slim

Would not stay. "But," he smiled,

"When family calls, family answers.

When you need me, I'll be back."

Fin