By: Brent Yergensen

Young, hopeful—gun unneeded
Played the role of sheriff, newspaper and coffee for style
Most his career, empty of worry
But now burdened, chasing a killer’s hurry

Aging and wondering, why men so violent?
Became a voiceover, of control less certain
‘Take evil’s measure?’ Evil doesn’t answer
Its growth to preside, never to capture

Seeing himself darkened on the television’s reflection
Drank milk and read the paper, coffee and comfort
So the sheriff wondered what to do
Unjudging the laughter that violence did do

Knowing he aged and evil’s gun love
He almost caught the foe, both sharing a room
Empty of confidence, the sheriff turned home
And trembled as he told of his dreams that roam

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Brent Yergensen, Ph.D., is a Professor of Communication at The University of Texas at Tyler. His poetry has appeared in Synchronized Chaos, Academy of Heart and Mind, and Bewildering Stories. As a scholar his research on aesthetics has appeared in numerous academic journals and anthologies.