AUGUST 3, 1899 VOLUME 4 NO 5 WHAT IS A TOMBSTONE WITHOUT ITS EPITAPH
The Tombstone Epitaph
PAGE
Navajo Interview……………...2
A Woman’s Plight...……....,…..3
Devil’s Rejects………………….3
Black Diamond Race....….…..4
Pearce Mayoral Candidates..5
Newcomer’s Impression..……7
Local Events.………...…..……..8
Meg-a-Musings……….………...9
Epitaph Staff Madminxmag Vandeperck
Amber23 Constantine
Faith Avalira
Carrington Brentley
Doc Clavenham
Smith Cluny
Thad Deed
Susanna Lorefield
SarahMarie Paule
Timmie Hax
The Pearce Mayoral Candidates Attend a Campaign Debate.
BREAKING NEWS IN PEARCE!
Mayoral Candidate Faith Avalira EXPOSED!
Miss Faith Avalira has been accused by fellow candidate, thad Deed, of steal-
ing his campaign ideas and promises for the Town of Pearce. Sometime last
week Miss Avalira interviewed Mr. Deed under the guise of preparing an arti-
cle for the Epitaph on his campaign for Pearce Mayor. Soon thereafter Miss
Avalira decided to run for Mayor herself, using the exact same campaign
promises and plans. Upon this reporter speaking with Mr. Deed about the
political campaign, he stated, “..I gave all my ideas to her. Now she's using
them. Which is “BS”. I‟d like you to add that.” Only the voters can decide the
outcome of this campaign.
VOLUME 4 NO 5 THE TOMBSTONE PAGE 2
An interview with Shareme Shinn of
the Navajo
By Katey Panthar
The Epitaph is fortunate to have been able to interview
one of the leaders of the peaceful Navajo tribe.
Katey: How long have you been leader here?
Shareme: Well, we have been here since the beginning of
the year, so it would be about then
Katey: Do you have an idea of how many men, woman,
and children you govern here?
Shareme: She laughed and said, ''We have more horses
then people right now.'' She was glad to show me one of
her ponies named Moon. ''We are small in human num-
bers at the moment.''
Shareme: Is there a difference between Navajos and
Apaches?
Katey: Yes there is definitely a difference, many differ-
ent traditions, and we are mostly traders, we do not care
much for fighting
Shareme: I notice the clothes are different than Apaches
as well.
Katey Yes, we use trade- cloth, rugs, and jewelry- so we
do not have to have use much deer hide. We have been
weavers for long, long, time. We have lots of sheep.
Shareme: Those Sheep are covered! I can make a skirt
out of that!
Katey: She smiled proudly and said, ''Yes, our sheep give
much wool'' ''There are others in the valley by the lake,
they were here when we arrived, and we use them for
eating.
Shareme: What such food do you make out of sheep?
Katey: I like to have a stew and a roast so people have
some choice. We value our animals highly. She blushed a
bright red when I said it sounded delicious.
Shareme:What other foods do you make? Many things
from corn, stews, bread, and fry bread, which seems to be
everyone‟s favorite.
Katey: One more question, How do you make your fry
bread, I said with a grin.
Shareme: Well, I grind the corn very fine, sometimes I add
a little salt or herbs. Then enough water to make little
balls of dough, then you flatten those with your hands, it
takes practice to make it even. You put some fat in a fry
pan, When the fat is sizzling you put in the round flat
dough, it puffs up while you cooks, and you turn it, and
your done. Sometimes i ground sugar fine when we trade
for it, and sprinkle it on for a treat. My daughter, she
likes to trade for jam, and she will put it on anything.
Katey: Well, it‟s been a pleasure to meet you.
Firewater (Tonya), Sanarean Melodie, and Nascha
(Shareme Shinn) of the Navajos
Photo by: SarahMarie Paule
VOLUME 4 NO 5 THE TOMBSTONE PAGE 3
A Woman’s Plight
As Written by Carrington Brentley
As I delved into the subject of female hysteria some star-
tling information was revealed. The term originates with
the Greek medical term, hysterikos. This refers to a
medical condition, particular to women, caused by dis-
turbances of the uterus, hystera in Greek. The term hys-
teria was coined by Hippocrates, stating that suffocation
and madness arise in women whose uteri have become
too light and dry and, as a result, wandered upward,
compressing the heart, lungs, and diaphragm. Typical
treatment for this infirmity is prescribed by a physician.
I urge you fellow sisters to seek treatment from a quali-
fied medical provider, take one little tid-bit of advice and
I will end on the subject. You will prefer a male physi-
cian for a satisfactory cure.
Please don‟t misconstrue the above illness with the va-
pors, as I myself have been known to suffer from the va-
pors and it is not the same as hysteria. Women being
fundamentally the weaker sex are more susceptible to a
range of medical complaints. As much as I abhor men-
tioning myself in these articles I feel the need to share
my findings about corsetry. Which can be used to cure
the vapors which I recently suffered from: Women‟s
minds and bodies are weaker. So the corset is deemed
morally and medically necessary. Tight lacing is consid-
ered virtuous - a loose corset is a sign of a loose woman.
A woman needs to protect herself from lustful men! She
can accomplish this by wearing heavily reinforced layers
of clothing and tight corsets that make getting un-
dressed a long and difficult task.
Working-class women (except when dressed for special
occasions) do not need to go through the discomfort of
wearing tightly laced corsets. Wear your corsets looser
and simpler clothes, with less weight. The higher up in
position a lady is, the more confining her clothes should
be. You ladies of the working class need the freedom to
do household chores.
The Devil‟s Rejects Have Left Tombstone!
The rumors appear to be true. LdyGadivea, Hav, and the
rest of the infamous Devil‟s Rejects gang have left Tomb-
stone for good. While the town has breathed a sigh of re-
lief, the citizens pray that this does not spawn future
gangs from springing up and claiming what was Reject
territory.
On June 10th, Hav Taurog was seen standing on the
Hotel Cosmopolitan after claiming it for the Devil‟s
Rejects. Thankfully stunts like this will no longer be
occurring since the gang has fled the area.
Photo by: SarahMarie Paule
VOLUME 4 NO 5 THE TOMBSTONE PAGE 4
During the first lap, Rising Sun suffered an injury and fell
out of the race. Midas was in the lead, trailed closely by
Asset. The mule then collided into the fence but recovered
quickly and made a surprise sprint into first place.
It was an exciting second lap, with Asset and Midas neck
and neck, until Midas once again gained the lead. As they
rounded the last bend of the this final lap, Asset picked up
speed, passed Midas, crossed the finish line as the victor
of the race, as Major Cymbal shoulted, “The ass wins the
day! and Midas a close second!” After confirmation from
the spotters, Asset was declared the official winner of the
Black Diamond Horse Race, as the crowd cheered in dis-
belief. The major handed Eye the prize and placed the
victor‟s wreath around the Jenny‟s neck.
Amazingly, today‟s race was a first for the one-and-a-half-
year-old Jenny. According to Eye, “I entered her for a
joke . . . thinking it would be funny. I never expect her to
win.” Eye commented that he intends to enter her again
in the next race.
Everyone joined Mayor Cymbal at the Bucket of Blood
Saloon for drinks on the house. “I‟m getting Asset a bottle
too. She loves whiskey,” declared Eye. “Maybe that‟s why
she‟s fast.”
The mayor passed around the drinks and shouted, “We
are all here to toast an ass! Here‟s to the ass!” The room
was filled with cheers as everyone downed their whiskey.
The celebration was nearly spoiled by a couple of drunk
cowboys. A few shots were fired into the air, striking the
chandelier, and an empty whisky bottle was thrown at the
mirror behind the bar. A scuffle ensued, and one of the
cowboys passed out as the other cowboy tossed his drink
into one of the saloon patron‟s face. As guns were being
drawn, the marshal walked in and quieted the crowd. The
cowboys were thrown out of the saloon, and the celebra-
tion continued.
Eye, dressed in sparking white duds, had taken the stage
at the mayor‟s urging to perform a victory dance. Amid
the cheers and applause, Eye exclaimed, “Now I ain‟t half-
assed no more. I am FAST-assed.”
What began as Eye‟s joke, the ass turned out to be his
asset!
HIS ASS WAS HIS ASSET
Written by Faith Avalira
As he rode his ass up to the starting line, both Eye
Abaye and his ass were the butt of a number of jokes
and raised eyebrows. Among the other participants in
the Black Diamond Horse Race held on July 18, were:
Adrian Wise, riding Midas
Foxx Mistwood, riding Rising Sun
Merillion Vyper (name of horse unknown)
Shepham Moorlord, riding Rio
ajc Pookes, riding Lightening
RoseMarie Hoch, riding Horny
Excitement built as people gathered around the riders
and their horses, with Eye and his mule, Asset, drawing
most of the attention from the onlookers.
At precisely 3:15 o‟clock, Black Diamond Mayo
r Cymbal Constantine began the countdown for the race
to begin…3…2…1…GO! As she fired her gun into the
air, the horses were off and running, with the Jenny
leading the herd.
On July 18th, EYE Abaye rode his ass past the finish
line.
Photo by: Faith Avalira
VOLUME 4 NO 5 THE TOMBSTONE PAGE 5
Thad Deed for Mayor of Pearce
As Mayor of Pearce I Promise to.....
Stand up for the people‟s rights. To protect the ideas set by our
Forefathers: safer working conditions for our mining commu-
nity, by whom this town was built and the supporting small
business owners alike.
I will be the man the people can voice their opinion to and be
heard - I have the unique perspective of owning a business
locally. I served our country in the Apache Wars--receiving a
Purple Heart for my efforts-- so I know and understand the
hard labour and hardships we often suffer in these smaller
communities.
Thad Deed Supports Women‟s Rights!!
WITH FAITH, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
by Faith Avalira
As an active citizen of this community, I am very interested in
helping to make Pearce the finest town in the West.
Here are five ways in which I propose to do just that:
(1) Improve the lives of the miners and their families. To im-
prove the lives of the Commonwealth Miners, as well as their
families, we must first seek to improve their working condi-
tions. I am a proponent for more restrictive regulations in the
mining industry that would provide safer mines, proper equip-
ment in good working order, and fewer hours on the job to al-
low our miners more time with their families and sufficient
time for rest. Our miners are in constant danger of cave-ins
due to hasty building of the mine shafts, among other things.
With the appropriate tools and equipment, along with proper
amount of rest for these men (a sleepy miner makes a sloppy
miner), more time and care would taken to ensure that the
shafts are sturdy and in proper placement within the mines.
In addition, because families are the backbone of our commu-
nity, no one should be required to work such long hours as our
miners, keeping them away from their loved ones and thus
weakening the family unit. Strong families make for stronger
communities.
(2) Increase commerce.
At present, in addition to the sheriff‟s office and the court
house, Pearce is host to a number of commercial enterprises:
Pearce Bank, Last Chance Saloon, Big Cedar Outfitters,
Gents Room Tobacco Store, Man‟s Ruin Parlour, physician‟s
office, and the hotel. Pearce has experienced commercial
growth during this past year, but there is a need for expan-
sion. In order to face this challenge, I would meet with land
developers to discuss the availability of additional land to be
annexed to the town, as well as meeting with bankers to rec-
ommend loans for those who would bring new business to
Pearce. With increased commerce, there will be an increase in
the population of our fine town, and it will grow to be the best
in the West!
(3) Decrease lawlessness.
Given the number of outlaws who ride through our town and
neighboring communities, and those who return to wreak
more havoc among our citizens, there is a need for reform in
our legal system. Working with the judge of Pearce, the law-
men, as well as appropriate official of Cochise County, I would
propose speedier trials, stricter laws to be enforced against
outlaws, and harsher punishment for repeat offenders.
(4) Promote women‟s suffrage.
Women are people and citizens, and as such have the same
inalienable moral rights that men do, and it is time for them
to have the same legal rights as well. Our county, including
Pearce, is accepting of women in many areas and affords wom-
en the opportunity to take part in business, land ownership,
and elections. But that is not the case throughout the Arizona
territory. If Arizona should eventually seek statehood with the
United States, that could jeopardize the right of the women in
our community to vote. At present, while Amendment __ of
the Constitution of the United States does not prohibit women
the right to vote, it is vague and does not specifically grant it
to them. Many women within the States have been arrested at
the polls when attempting to exercise a right to vote. We must
protect this right now, or the future of women throughout our
entire territory may eventually be affected.
(5) Initiate peace with the Apaches.
Raids, kidnappings, and killings at the hands of the Apaches
have distressed our citizens since the founding of our town. I
have made contact with two Apache warriors and would seek
to use create rapport with them in the hope that I could make
contact with the tribal chief and then use any influence I may
have with them to promote peace among their people and the
citizens of not only Pearce but all of the neighboring communi-
ties as well. While we may not quite see the reward from my
efforts during my tenure in office, I am hoping that my con-
nections with lay a firm foundation for future negotiations.
Each of these intentions is challenging, to say the least, but
through personal integrity, honest communication, and cour-
age, I believe that some if not all of these goals can be met.
And, remember, with Faith, all things are possible!
Please vote for Faith Avalira as Mayor of Pearce.
It is the policy of The Epitaph not to endorse political candidates.
These statements do not represent those of the publication.
VOLUME 4 NO 5 THE TOMBSTONE PAGE 6
MAN'S RUIN PARLOR - PEARCE -
GREEDY TOURNEY Fridays 4:00pm SLT
Is your Life in Ruins? Then we'll see you at the Greedy dice
tournament. Man's Ruin Parlor in Pearce where skill defines
a mans worth. Totally in Character - Come meet the folks of
Pearce!
Highrollers- Greedy dice tournament, starting pot 250L with
room for donations, elimination rounds 2 lowest scoring play-
ers will be eliminated at the end of each game, the table
opens to challengers at this time, a new match begins. The
winner will be decided by ethier all players being eliminated
or The first Player to win 2 games without elimination takes
the pot.
In the event of 3 players remaining only 1 player will be
eliminated, Ending in a head to head game for the prize.
This is an in-character event. Tombstone Role play rules ap-
ply.
On June 6th, promotions took place for the soldiers at Fort
Huachuca.
Photo by: SarahMarie Paule
THE NEW TOWN OF PEARCE
By Smith Cluny
The New Town of Pearce is completely finished! You will be
impressed with the new buildings and offerings! This town is
also hiring Law Enforcement! They have a full working Min-
ing business, a bank, and even a hotel. Stay tuned for upcom-
ing elections and opening events for this neighboring town!
We welcome yet another new torn to our Tombstone communi-
ty! In truth, this notorious town, Black Diamond, has re-
turned from the dead and is in construction. There is a town
hall, a new court room, and buildings being updated every
day! City officials have been working hard to improve town
offerings every day, so stop by and tell them thank you!
Local dogs, Charlie and Sable, pant in the Tombstone heat.
Photo by: SarahMarie Paule
VOLUME 4 NO 5 THE TOMBSTONE PAGE 7
FROM EAST TO WEST: A Newcomer's
First Impression of Tombstone
by Andurant Sirbu
The sight of Tombstone in the distance was a welcome sight
after a long and dangerous journey from Willcox. I had
walked for more miles than I can know to reach this tiny
town. What had started as a carriage ride with a helpful
family heading west turned into a treacherous journey for
one like I, unfamiliar and ignorant with the ways of this
strange and harsh new land. Now, safe from the Coyote
creatures that had followed me most of my tiring journey, I
sit here in front of a warm plate of morsels in the saloon
called 'Big Nose Kate‟s' and marveled at my safe arrival!
Such a dangerous place Tombstone seems! No sooner as I
have met the two beautiful Doctors of this town, then
wounded men, spilling their blood into the dust, arrive. They
were participants in a grievous dispute that had escalated
into gunfire. Before even a complete conversation had en-
sued, these two lovely Doctors were scurrying into their shop
and stitching men up and removing the dreadful metal slugs
from their limbs.
I have never known Doctors of this female persuasion before
this time: But the menfolk Doctors I had known in my times
past would do well to learn from these two determined and
dedicated professionals.
The sudden, awful violence had proven to be a dreadful
greeting for a traveler. I had journeyed to the Mississippi
and beyond, and even through the small cities and towns
stretching in a long line from St. Louis to Willcox, Arizona:
Never before had I seen such a place, where disputes are
resolved, more often than not, with violence and without the
benefit of a Magistrate!
It is small wonder the dusty streets of Tombstone seemed so
sparse of humanity, I remember thinking: Perhaps there
had been many disagreements, and this little village had
become thin of surplus population?
Two more of such disagreements occurred during my first
day in this little town: The lovely Doctors most certainly
earned their wages, on this day, and showed great determi-
nation, grace, and just a small portion of calm and soothing
words to their violent customers, as well. I wonder if per-
haps these men opened fire on themselves often, simply for
the pleasure to be stitched by these two wonderful crea-
tures?
Now, to be honest and complete: Tombstone has its Magis-
trate, Mister Sheriff Kristoff Jameson, but it became readily
apparent to this reporter that the situation in Tombstone
must often spiral far too out of control for just this one brave
Gentleman and his Deputy in training to pacify. Perhaps
this is why many of the local populace needs must resort to
vigilant justice and the seemingly frequent use of firearms.
Tombstone, surely is an often dangerous and strange place.
There are many taverns, but no barber. There is a bountiful
harvest of liquid beverages but little occasions to buy dry
goods. There is even one strange building with two walls,
not four: where the harsh, dry wind blows through like a
tunnel and scatters papers off of the desks and tables with-
in!
But, for all the dust and stones, for all the violence and cha-
os of this American West town, there also remains much
strength and beauty, as well! The citizens take great pride
in their individual pursuits, and are fast to stand for their
fellow folk in need.
And sometimes, the simplest ornament is the most beautiful
of all. Such was the wonder when this reporter had occasion
to wander into a shop named 'Tombstone Photography'; a
wonderful place filled to overflowing with beautiful photo-
graphs! Each of these small etchings, made with such pa-
tience and delicate care, showed a scene of life in this tumul-
tuous town; a canvas of individuals who had gone before and
carved their mark on this remarkable town.
The proprietor of this delightful shop, Miss SarahMarie Pau-
le, was gracious enough to discuss her life in Tombstone.
There is much beauty here, she remarked, but it was a beau-
ty of contrast: a tiny delicate flower, for instance, set in the
wilderness before the contrast of boulders, sand, and the
angle of the distant mountains. Her comments inspired me.
There surely is both much beauty and purpose to be found
here. Perhaps, in future missives, this reporter will find
such elements and share them for all who can read his scrib-
ings.
Miss SarahMarie was a delightful example of such a beauty:
a delicate flower surrounded by the violence and shabbiness
around her, yet somehow stabilizing the chaos that some-
times swirls around this place, as well: The delicate beauty
casting its own peace around her and drawing calm and or-
der to a dangerous place, like a Mother fox brings serenity to
her little ones.
If there are more like this flower in Tombstone, then two
things are known, for certain: There will be much to learn
and to experience in this little village, and perhaps the
rough actions, harsh speech, and rowdy ways that this Re-
porter had first seen, upon arriving in Tombstone, may be
simple contrasts for a stronger, steadier purpose and beauty
often missed by a less observant traveler.
VOLUME 4 NO 5 THE TOMBSTONE PAGE 8
Local Events
By Doc Clavenham
Town of Pearce
On the 5th day of June 1899, the town of Pearce held a
dance and it was great! Woo Hoo was it hot there in
Pearce; dancin‟, drinkin‟, meetin‟ all the good folks of
Pearce and everyone from other towns that came. Well
while I was there I had a great time and hope to do it
again soon as so should everyone. Thank you to Pearce.
Territory of Tombstone
In the Territory of Tombstone there are a lot of jobs open
for the citizens to do. For example the law in most of the
towns need help with upholding the safety of their
towns; saloons need bartenders; miners, etc. If you are
interested in any jobs please contact the individuals in
charge and lift a hand to your town and people. Also the
Calvary needs some more soldiers, so if you want to
serve you country please enlist.
June 4th
At 8:00 pm the saloon known as Big Nose Kate‟s was
robbed by a bandit named Trent Rotaru. Law in attend-
ance were Roebuckandco Sears, Steve Breguet, Sarrah
Georgia, and Kristoff Jameson. In closing it appears that
the law was unable to find anything so they let him go,
For Now.
Town of Benson
6/4/1899
The town of Benson had a street party tonight with
food, games, and of course bull riding. Kids and adults
alike were riding the bulls and doing very well if I must
say so. I tried to interview Miss Mayor Zoee Maggs
about the street fair but she seemed tpo busy to talk to
me but she seemed to be having a wonderful time watch-
ing the kids running around and have the time of their
lives. I also tracked down the Deputy Jyclops Jansma
and asked if he was having fun and he stated "yes I am"
and continued with "so is everyone else". As long as I
was there I can say everyone was enjoying themselves
this evening.
On June 4th, the citizens of Benson and surrounding are-
as enjoyed a Street Fair.
Photo by: SarahMarie Paule
VOLUME 4 NO 5 THE TOMBSTONE PAGE 9
Meg-a-Musings
By Meganna Larsson
It was a cooler evening. Cool for this hellish western re-
gion, that is filled with beasts and savages alike! I had
been residing in the hotel in the town of Tombstone, as I
was awaiting plans to arrive back from EastLand for my
house and I had yet to decide where on the great dry
Western-Lands to settle! My dear sister and brother in
law had built and settled anew in the town of Black Dia-
mond Hills {BDH}; which is to the south on the other
side of Benson a lil‟ ways. This being a rather cool even-
ing compared to the stifling and immobilizing others, I
decided to take a carriage ride for my supper out at a
place in BDH called “Hangman's Cafe and Gallery”, good
food, service is fair, atmosphere? Much to be desired-
next to the gallows for goodness sake! But a change from
the tavern food offerings at “Big Nose Kate‟s” was fa-
vored for that evening.
Well, as I entered town I was truly amazed at its COM-
PLETE transformation! It looked {almost} as if it were a
bit civilized! „Twas by no means a Bisbee, but my good-
ness the open clean street paths and the newer buildings
and what a residential offering! I had noticed that the
older establishments had a fresh coat of paint on them
and had freshened quite a bit from the omniscient days
of past. As I rounded the corner to my sister‟s home I
saw that even the old mine where the bandits had
shacked up recently had been reestablished and perhaps
nonetheless seized from the criminal “REJECT” savages,
and even appeared to be in somewhat working order!
I entered my sister‟s home with a flourish and was seated
no more than 3 moments when a barefooted lil lady gal
skips into my sister‟s parlor area! Imagine my surprise, as
my sister hasn‟t any little ones anymore! This lil lady was
so colorful adorned in pinks, yellows, teals, and various
shades of green. A breath of fresh summer air, she was!
After introductions were made I advised the gal, named
Mei, to not go outdoors without her footwear, as you never
know what a bare foot may find on the wild western
earth! She shared with me her experience of when the
mine was being refurbished; a bunch of snakes came slith-
ering out! The lil lady claimed that there were “400 of
them, 4000 feet long” [I somehow think she embellishes
the story a fair bit?] They were killed! Every single one of
them! They were made into saddles, belts and such to be
sold and the Café had soup for nearly a week!
I was straining to hear of the mine being renovated, as
the NUMEROUS birds of BDH were cawing and squawk-
ing so dang loudly; I almost thought I was back East at
dawn on a farm for goodness sake, not visiting my sister
POST – supper hour!! I made comment of such, and even
asked if they were perchance vultures? As they ARE
known to circle the dead, and I had goose bumps raise on
my skin, as I awaited the response from my brave-dear
sister.
Lil Mei was the one to respond first, claiming that
“Noooooo, they‟s just harmless ravens” and she even con-
fessed , dareIsay, RODE them? I gasped at even imagin-
ing this maneuver and she went on to inquire if I would
like to SEE her do so! She also divulged that town law
lady, Raine, did not approve of her antics of catching and
hanging from the over-large black birds of town! But she
excitedly put on footwear and hurried to follow my sister
outside.
We rounded the corner of my sister‟s home, and started
towards the entry to town and much to my amazement
the black birds were swooping at through the air … and
making quite the racket! I feared that should I ever have
to stay in BDH overnight with my sister, I surely would
get NO sleep whatsoever and now understood the bags
under her eyes!!
CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Citizens gather outside the Tombstone Bank on June
12th.
Photo by: SarahMarie Paule
VOLUME 4 NO 5 THE TOMBSTONE PAGE 10
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7
I turned back towards my sister and the giggling Mei. To
my utter surprise a large black raven appeared and had
stretched its beak to its maximum width “prruk-prruk-
prruk!” it called. Its talons were protruding in an offen-
sive, ominous manner towards me. I gritted my teeth. I
increased the pressure on my index finger and slowly
and confidently squeezed the trigger on the Derringer
Pistol, exactly as Mikk had advised me. To my amaze-
ment the bullet discharged out of the short barrel of the
pistol and tore into the bird fiercely, shocking us both in
its hostile wake! The shot raven let out a deep-throated
hoarse "rrronk." in pain and despair and continued to
project its maimed body towards me, to my horror! I
pulled the trigger again to ensure my safety and securi-
ty! To my relief, the bird fell, emptying its crimson blood
into the parched earth. The land drinking its fluid as
quick as it was offered.
I gazed at the raven in pure alarm! I had never actually
SHOT a LIVING thing, only mere bottles and targets,
during my treasured practice sessions with Mikk. The
raven‟s sharp beak moved slowly as if it were gnawing
on something, its beady dark brown eyes closed and its
sharp deadly talons flailed lifelessly in the air. My sister
screamed and ran towards the nearby town to get a vet
for the fading raven. I softly murmured to the bird, a
quote from a story that I had studied; by a Mr. Edgar
Allen Poe leaning towards it slowly I whispered “This I
sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing To
the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's
core; Quoth the Raven, `Nevermore.'”
I turned from the scene of the raven, which surely would
perish. My body trembled in fear. When suddenly a ra-
ther ugly white bird swooped from the sky and began to
peck at my skull its sharp beak ripping my silken hair
free from suitable up do! This grotesque bird – whom one
can only presume at this point – was a cousin of some
sort to the harmed BLACK Raven, and was coming per-
haps to its defense? Then to my absolute grotesque
astonishment, the hideous sallow bird emptied its bow-
els, pooping upon my new uptown gown! Well, I had nev-
er been so repulsed in my entire lifetime! My face imme-
diately twisted into a nauseated contortion. I raised my
pistol in an offended- vengeance- filled manner and emp-
tied the rest of my Derringer's chamber into the white
bird. How DARE it soil my brand new gown, with its
feces of all things! Poop the White bird NEVERMORE,
in harmony with the raven I say! !
On June 20th, a trio of smartly dressed local women enjoy
the offerings of Allen Street in Tombstone.
Photo by: SarahMarie Paule
Local children take time to fly kites following school.
Photo by: SarahMarie Paule