[font=Courier New]"R[color=#CCAACC]ise and shine, the sun's sky high."
Backache, hangover, everything fades as if it never had been there.
For someone here, the end draws nigh.
Clothes well-worn, his arms still strong, and out for a job goes Old Man John.
"Take your time, no need no hurry."
The watch's still ticking, and like a dead face, returning his stare.
Really, for this one man there ain't no worry.
Step by step, his steed draws closer. And so he smiles, our Old Man John.
"Make it good and keep her steady."
Taking his place in that old saddle, he nods grimly at the gods up high.
Now's the time when this man's ready.
Bolts release, then sudden thunder, and gone is now the Old Man John.
"In the darkness, in the mist."
His hands move, old and wrinkly, but with a grip still tight.
Badlands nearing after a sudden twist.
Lights go out, the stars all fade, into the black rides Old Man John.
"Deeper, farther, keep on going."
Hours pass, his old age beckons, and silence lures him like a temptress.
More and more he feels unknowing.
His eyes all tired, his mind on watch, he fights himself, the Old Man John.
"Do not falter, do not break, for doom's approaching."
A second later, the light's descending as the cannons glare.
The weapons' wails an orchestra, nerve-shattering.
Heartbeat races, all time freezes, and slowly he charges, that Old Man John.
"Crush their hopes and shred their souls."
Retaliation, his steed's finest, he lets loose at those before him.
No more old, the beast within, but cold and cruel it once howls.
Like hell unleashed, that's how he fights, our Old Man John.
"Quickly, trigger heart to stone."
Fury, rage, they come descending like a storm.
Breathlessly he watches, as particles rend flesh from bone.
Not a scratch and not a stain, victorious stands the Old Man John.
"With duty done, you can head home."
No more lights and no more shine, the temptress changes, becomes an angel.
The beast feels peace, it passes on, once more that man is all alone.
Computer's beeping, calling like the heavens' voice, and so he listens, our Old Man John.
"Rest easy now while twilight falls, tomorrow is another day."
With calmed mind and thankful prayer he gives in, his eyelids be the heaviest burden, heavier even than all sin.
Comforted in his trusty steed, he lets go, knowing sure it finds the way.
And then he drifts into peaceful slumber, that lone Hunter, the one we know as Old Man John.