Meant To Be A Joke

It was meant to be a joke. It simulated crime.
Long before the put-in yoke the sheriff spent his prime.

It was meant to be a joke. It simulated note.
Long before the masses spoke the sheriff fixed the vote.

It was meant to be a joke. It simulated scare.
Long before the strangle choke the sheriff puffed his air.

It was meant to be a joke. It simulated mask.
Long before the cover cloak the sheriff drank the cask.

It was meant to be a joke. It simulated sleep.
Long before the people woke the sheriff made his leap.

It was meant to be a joke. It simulated fire.
Long before smelling the smoke the sheriff lit the pyre.

It was meant to be a joke. It simulated strife.
Long before the sunlight broke the sheriff took his life.