Intrigue on the Trail

Sometimes a little mystery like this can send a poet on a mind trip that denies the story in the police report.

It leaned against an elm

Bark folding round the barrel

The stock rotted through

But the lever action was free.

Sheriff shook his head

Haven't seen one of those since

maybe 19-ought-somethin'

Why would a man leave his gun?

Ambush, bear, heart attack

All that time there'd be no trace.

Was he hunting, on the lam,

Just out for a good time?

Tracks, clues, remains, all

Buried under forest duff

No rusty cans or camp ring

No record of a missing local.

Sheriff and hiker scratched their heads

Asked the oldest man in town

Have you seen this weapon before?

The ancient one nodded once

Then his eyes moistened

A memory not to be shared

Too long ago, all are dead now

Only he knows but he ain't tellin'.