Dark figure, outlaw image cast on the ground <br />Sought sanctuary in the shadow of a doubt <br />Bank’s slight suggestion, seek and trace <br />Robber now pursued by posse’s shadow <br /> <br />Desperado, indistinct – specter or ghost? <br />Horseshoes – mere semblance, hint or faint <br />Rider representation of absence of light <br />The dark part of a holdup – dominant threat <br /> <br />Posse to follow, to the town – serve and protect <br />Marshal and two deputies, gallop to apprehend <br />Jurisdiction – no boundaries, law widespread <br />To the lawless, a cause for gloom and unhappiness <br /> <br />The outlaw seeks refuge from danger or observation <br />Stole only an insignificant portion or amount <br />On the run for so long, has an incipient growth of beard <br />The posse that follows – a constant companion <br /> <br />Hoof spotted – a tincture of condescension <br />An indication that the desperado is present <br />Widow-makers drawn, bullets fly – pretension <br />Outlaw handcuffed, brought to justice, tried and hanged. <br /> <br />'2007'<br /><br />Robert Sheridan<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/posse/
