bounty hunter

have you ever refused a bounty?
walked away when the risk was too great,
the reward not worthy.

in the breach of a wayward wind
you travelled a long hard road,
rode your patient steed until it was
sweated & weary, in need of
water & grooming.

the wide brim of your hat protects your eyes
& your reason from the desert sun's fierce glare.
your longcoat is abused & ripped, repaired by
the hand of an expatriate mandarin's daughter.

you deliver your captured prey, shackled and bloodied,
to the stark magistrates of border towns, collect a few
gold coins, & spend the night with a whiskey bottle
& a painted girl to kiss away the dust.

if you track the heart of a lover,
sharpen the dull edges of your senses,
& armor your heart: the loneliest hunter.
be provisioned with enough guns & ammo
for a long, demanding siege,
because love is not a game,
it's a war.

but don't put a bounty on it...
...it's priceless