Headstall
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Virgil definitely likes Wyatt, but how much is he willing to risk for him? They've only just met, and not in the best of circumstances. The Old West is unpredictable, but there is nothing wrong with hoping. Cheers!
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I just had to include Lottie. The conversation between Virgil and Wyatt was an important one to get right, and I hope that I did. Both men showed trusting the other... particularly Wyatt, who disclosed his shame with such vulnerability. It's no wonder Virgil wants to help him. He sees the whole picture now, and understands that Wyatt is living on borrowed time in that godforsaken town. All I can say is read on, my friend. There be a storm coming. Thanks for another thoughtful comment, Terry. Cheers!
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Thanks, buddy! Things are happening fast... no doubt about it.
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It is, isn't it? Gaydar might be a contemporary word, but I truly believe it has always been in existence. Thanks, Dan, for reading and commenting. I hope you are enjoying this little western. Cheers!
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A lot happens in this chapter, but the most important thing to me was the trust that is building. Wyatt has had a terrible life, but as Virgil noted, there is no hardness to him. There is strength in that fact, and Virgil appreciates it. Wyatt needed badly to hear the stuff Virgil had to say, and I give the man credit for caring enough to help him out. That was the best kind of sharing, for sure and certain. The gang of raiders are getting the best of the town, and they are slippery to boot. That is good cause for the meanness of men to come out, and yes, you're right that Virgil's feelings about bible thumpers is just as true now as it was then. Happy you are enjoying the story so far, buddy. Cheers!
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What raven1 said. Thanks for the support, Terry. You are a great addition to the GA family with how invested you are as a reader! Trust me... it is appreciated.
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I love reader conversions. Westerns are not a popular genre for sure, but there is a heart and an innocence to the Old West I find both fascinating and comforting. I hope I can win you over with this one, because I have a few more westerns under my belt. Thanks for giving this story a chance, buddy. Cheers!
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Thanks, Ivor. It would appear I have found a bit of a niche with my westerns, and that is just fine with me. Happy you are along for another ride, this time in Texas. Matador Hill is a sad and tension-filled town, and the folks in it are lost as to what to do. An old sheriff and an army regiment spread too thin are not what they need. This was not a pleasant introduction to the town, but I'm sure there are plenty of good people there... but they are fearful of the next raid. Thanks for reading and commenting, buddy. Cheers!
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It surely feels good to be pecking at the paper again, pardner. Covid messed me up, but I feel like I'm back in the saddle. Appreciate the kind words, Terry. I always like to try to pull readers in at the beginning, and with a short story there is really no time to waste. I think we learn a lot about Virgil in that first scene... and in the second too. He is a strong character, and a good man. We'll see more of that in the next three chapters. Cheers, my friend.
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Thanks, Ricci! Glad you like the beginning of this tale. It appears I have become 'that western writer', which I don't mind at all. I loved westerns as a kid, and I guess I'm still a kid at heart. There were a lot of resentment after the Mexican-American war, like there is after any war, and folks tend to hold onto their prejudices. Virgil rode right into the middle of those leftover tensions, in a town that is basically under siege. You never knew what you would get in the Old West, but these prejudices are still prevalent today. Consider it a touch of social commentary. Sorry for rambling (something I am sometimes guilty of). I very much appreciate you reading and leaving such a nice comment. Cheers!
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Thank you so much, centex! Virgil Pruitt is a man of good character, who is also very observant. He's learned to push back against bullies, and he has a fast gun to back him up. In a short story there isn't a lot of time for character development like there is in a longer one, but I think we can already see he is a fair man, compassionate and interested in the world around him. Does he have a hero complex? Maybe... but I believe he knows when to keep his head down. We'll see if that's accurate, because right now he seems decidedly invested in Wyatt's situation. Thanks again, buddy. I always love having you along for the ride. Cheers!
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Texas Two-Step Bill wasn’t tending his livery, so Wyatt helped him get Sally settled. There was a box stall available, already bedded with sweet-smelling straw, and he led her in there. Enough light was shed from a lantern Wyatt found and hung to see the interior. He went off to get some oats while Virgil unsaddled his mare. She nuzzled into him when he removed her bridle, wanting some deserved attention. “You two got a bond,” Wyatt said as he returned with the oats and a
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Skunk Mean The much-bigger Lucas had his fingers gripping the back of Wyatt’s neck like he was some vicious cur what needed punishing, cruelly pushing his head down in front of the bar. His gun was drawn as well, and the fact he was waving it around carelessly worried Virgil something fierce. He couldn’t see Wyatt’s face, but expected he was both scared and shamed at being bullied in front of the other men in the saloon. Murray was on his side of the bar, not saying anyth
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Compadres Virgil heard the young fellow draw breath as his gaze fixed on his cock, looking hungrier than a hound at a cook-fire. He knew that appetite well. This youngster was like him, sure and certain. Leaning his head back and lifting his arms to the ceiling, he stretched, letting Wyatt look if he had a mind to. “Sure feels good to get out of those damn dusty clothes. Got a clean set in my saddle bags. Might be you could get them for me once I’m clean?” Finally looking
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Matador Hill Riding into the center of the tired-looking Texas town, Virgil Pruitt passed under an old, ripped banner. Flapping slightly in the easy breeze, it advertised a celebration dance for the seven year anniversary of the end of the Mexican-American War. Hard to believe the conflict had been over that long. “Come One Come All”, it invited, but the dance had taken place months earlier, on February the second. Yet, the faded banner was still suspended across the stre
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A lot can occur in a single day, and this day starts with Virgil Pruitt riding into a sad, struggling Texas town seven years after the end of the Mexican-American War. Sometimes it's not easy to be a good man, one who calls out unfair hate when he sees it, but Virgil doesn't always look for easy. Will he pay the price for being such a man, or will he be rewarded for standing up for young Wyatt Burnham?
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Thank you very much, Terry. I never know whether a poem will work for others. I can only ever write what I feel or see, and hope it reaches someone. I appreciate the support, my friend. Cheers!
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Don't forget your water wings @Albert1434
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Happy Wednesday, all!
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Aloha, Albert.
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Are we talking @Drew Espinosa here?
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Here's to Twenty More Great Years!! Thank you, Myr, Cia, and the rest of the administrative staff! Cheers!
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Thank you so much, Dan! You quote my favorite lines here... and that is how I felt back then, that the world didn't allow us access. We were outsiders, forced to make life-altering decisions we had to convince ourselves were right, but knowing deep down they weren't. It wasn't fair, no, but love has a way of holding on, even when it sees no light. I'm pleased you found this poem powerful... that means a lot to me. Cheers!
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Finished! All read, liked, commented on, and reviewed. Thanks to those of you who supported my poetry.
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I recommend reading this sweet coming of age tale. The author does a great job of reminding us of those awkward and scary times, when feelings come at us from different angles, so intense we sometimes can't breathe. Well done, Comsie. Cheers!
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