A shot send him crashing
Against the alley's trash cans
Laying on his back
Feeling no pain
Knowing something was wrong
A golden object he clutched
In his left gloved hand
On his right,
He held a 9 mm barretta
Yes he had a reputation
He was known, as the king
Of darkness
His realm were the dark streets
Of New York City
He owned the streets at night.

Wearing dark clothing and cap
To blend into his domain
Theieves and burglars, gave him their leave
Out of respect and fear
This alley, he cased a few hours ago
Before slinking, into a position
Between light beams and shadows
His thoughts concentrated, here
Not on his or any other's tomorrow
The alley with a view, of the business district
Where square folks were easily mugged
And none be the wiser
3:00 am no one in sight
The world around is mute
Except for the beat of his excited heart.

Where did that car, come from?
Parked across the street, near the bus stop
Must be some one waiting?
For the approaching bus
A middle age man exit the bus
The kings heart, started beating faster
He knows he has something here
As the man, walked towards the alley
He is snatched, faster than a heartbeat
And brutally shoved against the wall
By the two man from the parked car
The king sees a gun and knife
He has no time to think
Only to take immediate action
He draws his gun
No time to call for assistance.

He charges like a bull
Surprising the muggers
He can hear police siren approaching
He knew help was here
He was fighting for his life,
Protecting the victim
He hears cars, screeching to a stop
Doors opening,
It'll be over soon, he thought
A young rookie cop see the guns
And shoots in their direction
The king falls,
Gasping for his last breath
Soft cough of blood, are choking him
He has saved his last victim.

His eyes rolling back
He sees no more
His left hand relaxes open
Reveling, a detective's shield
His eyes open
A frozen stare ,into the unknown
The final tear of death
Rolls down his cheek
As he is dying
His hearing becomes sharpen
At a distance, he can hear
A lone piper,
Piping his final respect
With amazing Grace
The King is no more.

By: William Bonilla
4/27/03