Aces over eights

A bit of western history

Aces over eights
(August 2, 1876)

The table was set,
Five chairs spaced 'round.
All their guns were checked,
Their places found.

One was tall and gaunt,
Eyes dark and cold.
Next came the short one,
His dress bright, bold.

The third man sat next,
With glasses dark.
Man four came whistling,
As on a lark.

Last man wore a star,
And pistols paired.
With back to the doors,
He's wrongly chaired.

The chips are counted,
And money paid.
Antis collected,
The shuffle made.

The game, five card stud.
First two cards dealt,
High hand starts the bet.
Money hits the felt.

Hands are won, some lost.
The "star's" last hand,
Aces over eights.
Hickok's last stand.