Barrel Gazing

Barrel gazing point blank range
This black hole at the end of carbon steel
An eye of impenetrable midnight
The Colt doesn't waver, even twitch
Just stares me down
Rock steady under the rear security light
The old man smiles pleasantly
"Maybe you should just leave, son
Maybe look for another line of work"
All I can do is walk away
Just a glance back
Towards a gentle man in rent-a-cop gear
Offering guidance for a fresh career.

This is for Crim's "When Death Comes Knocking" competition