Artwork Sourced from Pinterest. Artist: John Duillo.
A Tale of Two Kings
by Antonio Rocco S. (Rocco Valentini)
The sheriff’s name is spoken easily in saloons, A cattle baron with a crown made of fool’s gold. He watches to see which way the crowd leans first, A snake-oil salesman whose pitch has been sold. His badge shines bright, but it’s plated thin, Bought with smiles and borrowed praise. The window to his soul Is a mirror made of other men’s gaze. The outlaw’s name is spoken low, if spoken at all, A crucified convict crowned with thorns. He’d rather break than bend, And so he endures their scorn. A black knight, they say; He’s stubborn, cold, and proud. He will not trade his coat of arms for comfort Nor bow to appease the crowd. A man’s greatness is forged on the anvil of adversity; He approaches his quest like a knight upon a wagon. For there can be no hero without a trial, No Arthur without a dragon.