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Ole Lucky Nine Lives

April 6, 2025 20 Comments

By Scott Bogart

As aging gunslingers go, he was appropriately named. He’d lived his years convinced of a single premise: only the good die young. His longevity was bolstered by a cunning intellect, an extreme adherence to superstition, and a blisteringly fast gunhand. He’d dodged all but eight bullets, survived rattlesnake bites, been partially scalped, and had his throat slit by a whore. He’d
cheated and lied, pillaged, bamboozled and robbed, and was struck by lightning—twice.
Now, standing condemned atop the gallows with the henchman’s noose cinched tightly around his neck, he reflected upon these things and couldn’t help but feel somewhat optimistic.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Nan says

    April 6, 2025 at 3:55 pm

    Reading this, I couldn’t help but feel somewhat amused. Thanks for making me smile.

    Reply
    • Scott Bogart says

      April 6, 2025 at 6:59 pm

      Hi Nan!
      Mission accomplished!
      Thank you!
      Scott

      Reply
  2. David says

    April 7, 2025 at 3:20 am

    Wonderful writing and a perfect ending. Enjoyed it a lot.

    Reply
    • Scott Bogart says

      April 7, 2025 at 8:47 am

      Hi David! Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Mel Fawcett says

    April 8, 2025 at 10:52 am

    Ha ha! Nice one, Scott.

    Reply
    • Scott Bogart says

      April 12, 2025 at 10:13 am

      Thank you, Mel!

      Reply
  4. Sue says

    April 9, 2025 at 10:07 am

    Eternal optimism based on past experience…good luck this time.

    Reply
    • Scott Bogart says

      April 12, 2025 at 10:13 am

      ?

      Reply
      • Scott Bogart says

        April 12, 2025 at 10:15 am

        Thank you, Sue!
        The ? Was supposed to be a smiley emoji but it didn’t translate.

        Reply
  5. Bud Pharo says

    April 10, 2025 at 9:44 am

    Loved the western theme! Nicely done!

    Reply
    • Scott Bogart says

      April 12, 2025 at 10:16 am

      Thank you, Bud! I love the old west too.

      Reply
  6. Ed Kratz says

    April 10, 2025 at 11:38 am

    Amusing. Well done

    Reply
    • Scott Bogart says

      April 12, 2025 at 10:17 am

      Thank you, Ed!

      Reply
  7. Alan Moskowitz says

    April 10, 2025 at 1:59 pm

    Well done!

    Reply
    • Scott Bogart says

      April 12, 2025 at 10:17 am

      Thank you, Alan!

      Reply
  8. Marie says

    April 10, 2025 at 3:55 pm

    I loved this one, a great reminder to stay optimistic!

    Reply
    • Scott Bogart says

      April 12, 2025 at 10:18 am

      Thank you, Marie!

      Reply
  9. Renee R Lajcak says

    April 10, 2025 at 6:00 pm

    I love to laugh unexpectedly. You got me!

    Reply
    • Scott Bogart says

      April 12, 2025 at 10:19 am

      Thank you, Renee!

      Reply
  10. jaxson-dan says

    April 13, 2025 at 4:10 pm

    Great story! Love the “hero’s” nonchalant way of taking setbacks in stride.

    Reply

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