"One Crown for A King's Ransom"
Part VII.
It was awhile before the lawman spoke again. "When I fers' took this job,
A wise old gentleman kindly pointed out
Something that has saved my life many, many times.
Of that, I have no doubt.
Miguel said my bright and shiny Marshal's badge
Was the only thing folks saw.
When they seen me comin', from any distance,
They could tell I was the Law.
To the honest-hearted, this star was a good sign.
It put their minds at rest.
To the wicked, it spelled trouble and made for an easy target
In the center of my chest.
He told me I needed somethin' else upon which
An outlaw could focus his attention.
Perhaps some silver conchos for my pant cuffs? Or a band of silver for my hat?
Miguel's a silversmith, by trade. A fact I forgot to mention."
Jewel flashed the wryly grinning fellow with the silver conchos on his slacks
And the silver band on his black hat
A lovely smile. "An' you must a' been his best customer.
I kin sure see that!"
"I still am a good customer. An' Miguel is still a good friend.
An' that's exactly what I mean!
That lovely smile a' yours...
You have one a' the most beautiful smiles I have ever seen!
An' stashed up under that hat
Is a gorgeous mane a' golden hair.
Pull all those pins out an' let it fall to your shoulders.
People could appreciate it more, if you were to wear it there."
Jewel did just as Jim suggested. And, as her long blonde locks tumbled down,
They framed her face and partially concealed some of the scar from sight.
The Marshal couldn't help but admire the way
The girl's golden hair actually glistened in the now full-bright sunlight.
"There...Yah see! That scar ain't the only outstanding
Physical feature you own.
Don't you think that it's about time
Some of your finer ones were shown?"
"Hair and smiles won't conceal this scar, anymore than those silver trinkets conceal your badge,"
The girl grumbled, almost beneath her breath.
"Maybe not. But, there were plenty a' times when they bought me precious seconds.
An', in this business, seconds can often mean the difference between life...an' death.
The reason people stare at that scar
Upon your cheek may be
Because, when you look at yourself,
That is all you see.
Folks may have a certain view of you
Because it's the only one you're showin'.
It's time you 'turned the other cheek'.
'Cuz there's a whole 'nother side a' you worth knowin'!
You don't want that scar to be the only thing people see?
Then you're gonna hafta give 'em somethin' else to look at.
That lovely smile could be your silver conchos.
An' that golden hair could be the silver band upon your hat."
The girl didn't say a thing.
She seemed to be lost in thought.
Jim had no way a' knowin'
If he had proved his point, or not.