Bandit

Read with care...

I am the bandit

In a standoff

At the end of a box canyon

Surrounded by Federales

I lay under

A rocky overhang

And dodge bullets

That ricochet all around

I worry about

My lack of ammunition

Pulling a few aimless shots

To keep them at bay

They step closer, closer

Do not approach but

Taunt me with vicious

Heat and the empty hollow

It protects me

Consumes me in suffocating air

I its only denizen

Surrounded by a cold enemy

I cannot run

My freedom limited

To a few meager feet

Of sand and pebbles

I lay with a pounding heart

And hyperactive lungs

Panicked and depressed in life

Waiting for one final

Bullet to bring relief

Reviews

[Jack Wolfe]

Whew, a final battle, surrounded, no end in sight, ammunition count falling, no savior upon the horizon, that one final bullet could bring 'brief' relief. How I hope this isn't non-fictional, James. I refer you or the character to the poem 'Foot prints' or the old adage, "a door never closes without a window opening."

[J. Land]

This isn't a suicide note for sure, just a peek inside depression and its symptoms. Or maybe its just trope rewritten for the thousandth time. My faith and family keep me sane and alive. But I'll never forget the last words Robert E. Howard wrote before he got into his mother's car and shot himself dead:

"All fled, all done, so, lift me on the pyre; the feast is over, the lamps expire."

It's this despair that must be fought off at all costs.

[Jack Wolfe]

At first, I thought this was a response to depression and the fast-traveling world view in the wake of the world's favorite (and mine) comedian committing suicide (so sad), but figured I'd at least pose the question, and glad to hear.

[SmittyJas]

nervous and the battle almost lost he fights for a good cause as all good solders do. In battle and in life we must fight for the good of life no matter what hand we are dealt or how it felt. We battle on as proud as we can be. I love the courage and bravery of this lone solder in the fields on wonderment.

[Ashira Macy]

This was really cool. In his final hour he thinks of how nice it will all be once it is over. Not needing to run anymore, because what kind of life would that be anyway? A life on the run can only be tiring and lonesome. Well done.

[Sophy Freebirds]

OMG!! I was in such a gloomy state few days ago but now i am all agog!! :).. "Just a denizen surrounded by a cold enemy"- aww the desperation for that last bullet to finish it off!! How often do people finish it.Many say it takes courage to end life but i say it takes more courage to shove off that depression and move ahead in life.An intense write ;) well done Jim.

~Sophy