Tricked by the mirages, I dropped to my knees.
I thought I was seeing a lake and palm trees.
My lips were blistered, I was burning up in the sun.
If I still had some energy, I'd get up and run.
As I crawled closer the lake and trees slunk away.
 Things Ma Nature treats us to when she plays.
I kept crawling, my tongue swelled in my mouth.
I saw more mirages, north, east, west and south.
I saw buzzards circling, floating down on the wind.
My vision was blurring, I knew I was close to done in.
 looking behind me, the posse had gained ground.
They were all horseback I heard the hooves pound.
I still had two loaded guns and a sharp Bowie knife.
When they finally caught me I'd fight for my life.
I stood up and faced them with a colt in each hand.
 They stopped a few yards away to make demands.
Don't get all serious on us their  leader said.
The odds are fifteen to one, you'll  wind up dead.
I'm dead anyway you look at it, I said, I murdered your son.
He died for nothing but a crime you yourself done.
Whichever way it goes down friend , you're dying first.
Ready to dance with death then let's have this tyrst
The rest of the posse backed off, he spun and fired.
You're out of the oven one said, that fools expired.
`He bit off too much to chew, you can have his water.
It's a dumb  thing to do, being a guest at your slaughter.
D.L. Crockett -- 8/18/24