The Sheriff's Lament

I brought law west... But left my heart unsaid. And silence was a rope, my love. I came from back east iron straight, Badge polished bright as the dawn, A man with grit, and a steady hand, Who thought right conquered wrong. And by my side was Elsie dear, Small hands and raven curls, Too fine a bloom for prairie dust, Too soft for frontier worlds. I built a jail, I walked the streets, Kept drunks and gunmen tame, Worked sunrise through to lantern dark And figured love works the same. If a roof was sound and the table full, If danger stayed outside... What more could any woman need Than standing by my side? Three little words could’ve kept her here. I thought you knew them true. A heart can’t live on what’s assumed. I never learned what to do. Now wind blows through the things unsaid, Cold as a courthouse floor... Three little words were all it took, And now they’ll come no more. I caught him by the riverbank With two fresh stolen mares, Had irons ready for his wrists, The rope swung near the courthouse stairs. Then Elsie came with shaking hands, Gun pointed at my chest... Said, “Drop the chains and turn away.” Lord help me, I guessed the rest. I could’ve drawn. I could’ve shot. I let them take the night. Because I loved her more than pride... And couldn’t say it right Three little words might’ve changed the road. I should’ve said them then. Instead she rode with borrowed lies... And i lost her to that man. Some doors don’t close till miles away, Some truths arrive too late... Three little words can weigh less than air, And still outweigh your fate. I tracked their trail through cedar breaks, Through mud and mesquite thorn... I knew by dawn we’d made a trade That grief itself would mourn. I found the rancher’s cottonwood... The man whose horses they had stole... And hanging there in the morning wind Were two bodies and no souls. I cut you down with trembling hands, Laid you in my coat. No lawman’s badge can pardon this, No prayer can clear my throat. Now every night I patrol these streets Where no one hears me grieve... A man can keep the whole town safe, And lose the one he needs. Three little words could’ve kept her near. I carry them like chains. I loved you wrong. And love untold still pains. So if you’ve got a heart to give, Don’t lock it up indoors... Three little words can save a life... Say them Before theres No more.