Seven Generations Down

He had hoped to be a doctor

his way of redressing the balance

he gave it his best

for a while

before his focus wandered

 

people would hear his name

would say

“Like the gun!”

as if it meant something

something good

 

he would smile politely

change the subject

he once told me the truth

that Colt's blood pumped through him

seven generations down

 

there was money in his family

though he preferred to make his own

he didn't watch the news

had never even held

the gun that bore his name