Fate Shines at Dawn

by Melissa Allen

First published in Spring, 2009, Volume 6, Issue 1, The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.

We go clippety clop on the old dusty road,

Passing trees and flowers in glorious bloom,

The sweet scent of jasmin hangs in the mist,

As I am traveling to meet my possible doom.

My foe greets me with the tip of a hat,

And the glint of revenge in his eyes,

In a duel to the death for our honor,

Today shall be a great day to die.

Lord steady my hands, harden my heart,

Above all let me fire my weapon true,

If I should fail to get him in my sight,

Let me die as good gentleman do.

We walk ten paces, then turn and fire,

Smoke rises in the new morning light,

I have defended my honor to the last,

But I shall rest with the angels tonight.