The Man Who Corrupted Hadleyville

His eyes were dark as midnight,

His hat was cocked towards two,

His tongue stood still like high noon

While he stood in velvet shoe.

A turquoise scarf hid his jaw,

And silver edged his pistol.

He held his hands down by his hips

Without a word or whistle.

The honest folk turned towards the shops

Where on better days they dealt,

And every child, late at play,

Got drawn in like a belt.

The dusty stranger held his ground

As all the town receded.

Drunkards guessed his dark intent

And bartenders indeeded.

The Sheriff cloaked his gun and badge

And checked his empty cells.

The hangman tied a diamond hitch

While cowboys hid in wells.

Young Ladies slid toward shelter,

While sneaking brazen stares

And stallions tied to hitching posts

Nickered for their mares.

The banker, only, braved the man,

Rubbed his visor and he

Said "You must be a dreadful rogue

To dress so like a dandy."