She Came After

She cut through the thicket
fast like a thrush
through the thick of them
slick with her ten pricks
but slickest
with her pointers most

those long digits fingered triggers
tripping firing pins tapping
the flat brass backs of fat slugs sleeping
until murder
murder is summoned forth

outlaws dove in droves purchase
where those slipped hidden
behind clove
to hope
her cackling pistols stole some
other poor bastard's soul

them that ripped with their own replies
fell clipped first
crippled by what followed from
the smoke clenched in her fast fists
twisting spinning
barking mad snarls and kisses
canine angry
gripping hot honey hollering in thunder
sending men to their maker
in states of wild wonder screaming or
redeeming what little penance
final prayers provide thereafter.

TA