The Highwayman

by TLCoston

Sit young man, and listen to this tale

For the time is short and fate prevails

You ask why you are here

 I too wondered that many years ago,

As I sat in your spot and listened to an old fellow’s woe

I see you’re confused, as I once was too

You were compelled, and as for that I pity you

For your purpose is intertwined with mine

It’ll be a ghastly play we’re destined to make tonight

Notice we sit in the Highwayman’s Pub with fireplace aglow

Look around, no patrons, only shadows move to and fro

Listen – nary a whisper or a sound

Only the crackle and pop that emits from that infernal mouth

How I dread the hour, for the time is near

So I’ll make haste and explain as to why you are here

A witness to my death; that is your role

You’ll watch as the dreaded Highwayman takes my soul

Ah, your eyes widen, and a shiver runs down your back

You want to run, but you can’t

No, you’ll sit and listen, as I once did  

As did my predecessor and all the unfortunates before him

You wonder why I came here, knowing my doom

I tried to stay away, but fate knows no ruse 

So, with a heavy heart and a shaky hand

I’ll relate as to how this infamy shall end

Many years ago, I followed my predecessor out that very door

A distance kept as I was forewarned

I remember there was no wind with a full moon bright

Leaves sparsely fell on that autumn night

The old man’s gait was cautious, yet sprite

His eyes darted from left and to the right

His aged hand clasped a weathered coat at the throat

His breath quick and palpable from the cold

I dashed across the churchyard and through the cemetery gate

Tripping and falling onto a freshly laid grave

I can still remember the smell of dried leaves and moist earth

And the sweat that saturated my shirt

A giant oak stood over the hill, and to the right

The old man hesitated when it came into sight

I remember the urgency and the fright in his eyes

It was then he picked up his stride

Suddenly, I heard a snort and a neigh

It was he, the Highwayman, silhouetted on his bay

He drew his sword, then spurred his steed

At that, the old man screamed

The ground shook as hooves pounded the road

Sparks flew as shoes struck stone

The spectral animal flared a heavy breath

As horse and rider bore down on that poor, old man

Run, Old Man! Run! That’s what I screamed

My legs frozen from this horrifying scene

I clasped my mouth and prayed to God

Please Lord set this unfortunate free

I watched the old man run with all his might

His wisp of gray hair flailing in the moonlight

Askance he looked over his shoulder

Only to find the Highwayman coming closer

To the tree!  To the tree!  I yelled not knowing why

And indeed the old man seemed to have it insight

For with purpose he bowed his balding head

And strained his arms and legs with all he had

To the Tree!  To the Tree! I waved to the goal

Fifty yards and your home!

To the Tree!  To the Tree! You’re almost there!

He’s going to make it!  He’s going to make it!  I declared

It was then, horse and rider picked up the pace

And just like that, the distance weren't so great

Closing, the Highwayman’s sword glinted; prepared

I cringed, as the demon’s laughter filled the air

The old man looked back measuring his fate

It was then he stumbled and fell on his face

I gasped in horror.  This cannot be real

Get up! Get up!  The demon is on your heels!

My predecessor picked himself up and ran

Blood streamed down his forehead and hands

Twenty yards and then ten

Yes!  Yes!  You’re going to make it old man!

And just then as he made it to the tree

He turned around inexplicably

Holding out his arms and exposing his breast

Surely this can't be a taunt, or a jest.

The Highwayman’s steed slid to a halt

Gravel sprayed the old man’s dirty clothes

There predator and prey stood under a large bough

Not a word either one did spout

The spectral thief pointed his sword to the branch

At this the old man did glance

Down came the weapon with full force

Cleaving the old man gut to throat

The Highwayman dismounted his steed

As my predecessor fell to his knees

The demon stood over his prey

While watching his victim’s entrails splay

Hot tears stung my cheeks

Get away from him!  You demon thief!

My anger turned to wrath

For a weapon, I picked up a branch

Running through the cemetery, I gave a banshee scream

The Highwayman then turned towards me

He pointed his sword at my branch

And then gave an awful laugh

A mist poured from a hollow in the tree

Engulfing all three

And as I neared the scene of the crime

They disappeared into the night

I looked around in disbelief

Evidence is what I need

And to reaffirm this grisly act

Blood saturated the grass

Why did you stop? I cried out in vain

You had him beat.  You won the game.

And at that instance I looked up at the bough

Only to see where a rope had burnt its bark

So, now it’s time for us to play our part

Finish your beer for we must get a start

Remember to keep your distance, don’t fall behind

For tonight is the night the Highwayman rides.