A dash of lead

I’ve been civil long enough now.

I’ve been gracious when I could.

I’ve shook hands with lesser devils

just because a gentleman should.

I’ve let insults die between us.

I’ve let foolish men feel tall.

There’s a point where keeping peaceful

ain’t keeping peace at all.

So roll your sleeves and mind your manners.

Move the tables, clear the room.

There’s a certain kind of talking

better understood at noon.

I ain’t looking for forgiveness.

I ain’t asking who was right.

I’ve exhausted all the niceties.

Now let’s see who came to fight.

All I’ve got is iron

and a little dash of lead.

A fist for close discussion,

and some louder words ahead.

I’ve been reasonable till reason

ain’t worth the breath it takes to spend.

So if we’re through with conversation,

we can speak another way instead.

There’s a language in this leather.

There’s an answer in my hand.

There’s a time to hear your words

and time for bloodstained sand

I’ve been wearing out my patience

on men who called it fear.

I’ve only feared for your best interest.

We can straighten that out here.

So let the leather clear its keeping.

Let the old dust leave the street.

Send a brand-new disposition

where an old one used to be.

No more favors for the foolish.

No more courtesy for dread.

I’ve got no time left for talking until one of us is dead.

I’ve got only Iron

and a scrap of two of lead.

Now the level words are over.

And I reckon that’s just fine.

Some men only learn a boundary

when they finally cross the line.

So here’s to finished conversations.

knowing when it’s time.

I’ve got two good hands for trouble and the sun glints blind across 45.

Now all I’ve got left is iron

and a little dash of lead.

Right back to my good nature since that hole found your chest.