Sheriff



I wanna be a sheriff

not the six-point badge
ride into this town's
not big enough
for the both of us
shot in the back
from the bordello balcony
kind of sheriff

but the wheel-clamp
change the locks
see you in court
computer says no
kind of sheriff

the long lunch
free parking
I've got a mate
on council who can sort
that out for you
if you do a little
something for me
kind of sheriff

the not my problem
can't change the system
phone this number
if you continue
to raise your voice
I'll call security
kind of sheriff

the kind of sheriff
who retires quite comfortably,
with a mystery pain
in his back

~ Brendan Bonsack

Prayers in Glass Houses
Released March 2017