Cardiff International Poetry Competition

Runner Up - Brett Evans

Brett Evans lives, writes and drinks in his native north Wales. His poetry has featured in such publications as The Frogmore Papers, The Interpreter's House, Other Poetry, Poetry Wales and more. He is co-editor of Prole Poetry and Prose.

Directed by Sergio Leone

There's nothing but waiting around to die, so you choose
how to spend that time: swatting flies on your stubbled
throat whilst waiting for a train or riding through
this one-horse world hell-bent on creed or trouble.
A bottle of rye, a cheroot beneath the bough
may be enough for those who're simply chasing
a quieter life. Or you could stand or slouch
between hero, villain, gunslinger and assassin;
your idle fingers twitching whilst waiting on a script
to reveal the character to which you're assigned;
an extra in another's movie. Too late you've grasped
that at the bar, in bed, on the street; dying's just dying.
Your final suspicion, that there must have been so much more;
that there must have been music, an unforgettable score.