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Incident At Soup Creek

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In the saloon gambler Milton, rose from his leather chair to speak And said we need to make changes for the good of Soup Creek He read all the meaningful proposals to the townsfolk out loud And those meaningful proposals were well received by the crowd. A stranger sat in the corner looked like he'd just got outta bed Stood up and disagreed with everything Milton had said He'd totally misunderstood Milton's honourable intention The situation became tense and you could feel the tension. There was an icy deadly silence then over by the far corner Stood saloon girl Jenna looking mean, and cradling a Winchester There was a mad stampede, as folks tried to get out the door The stranger carried on ranting and at gambler Milton he swore. Someone had alerted Sheriff Koplin and he was soon on his way Then entered the saloon approaching the stranger, and had this to say "Soup Creek is a very peaceful town and we aim to keep it that way And if you don't like how we run things then you'd best be on your way" Then from the back door of the saloon, entered four other deputies Dave the Texas ranger, saloon girl Tania and the blacksmith called Rees Undertaker Tom needed business, he was hoping the stranger they'd kill And then headed off with a pick and shovel, to his office at Boot Hill. The stranger was outnumbered and knew he wouldn't win And handed the Sheriff his gun who said "I'm taking you in" The Sheriff at gunpoint walked the stranger over to the jail And told him" I'm locking you up and don't think about bail" Meanwhile Tom up at Boot Hill was sweating digging a grave Then heard someone hollering it was the Texas ranger Dave Tom looked up and Dave told him "you won't be needed today But Sheriff Koplin is generous and you'll still get your days pay" "Gambler Milton is in the saloon later and he's holding a big party" Tom threw his shovel in the grave and said "sounds good to me " They both mounted their horses and then headed back to town And they arrived back in Soup Creek as the sun was going down. Written 16th August 2022

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Sandra L. Weiss

Date: 10/7/2022 1:05:00 PM

Ahh Tom, nothing like a visit back in time through a tale of the old west! And who else to tell it? Some of my all time favorite movies, from that time and place. Enjoyed it Tom

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/7/2022 10:52:00 PM

Thank you very much Sandy, I'm happy that you enjoyed the story. Hope you have a lovely weekend Tom

Anne E Sangster - K

Date: 9/25/2022 3:33:00 AM

Ahhh the saga at Soup creek continues. Looking forward to reading more. Love it! Cheers Anne :-)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 9/25/2022 6:51:00 AM

Thank you very much Anne, I'm happy that you enjoyed the humour. Tom

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/18/2022 8:30:00 AM

I did not agree entirely with the gambler's remarks. I have my own opinions and reasons for how I think. I think I know who the stranger of your tale would be. A person who states opinions very strongly! People here need to learn the social graces. That's my two cents.

Andrea Dietrich
Date: 9/18/2022 8:41:00 AM

I agree with you. Nobody should ever use name-calling. It's just so wrong.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 9/18/2022 8:36:00 AM

Thank you Andrea, it's a tricky one for sure and there will always be differences of opinion but insulting or bad mouthing others who don't agree in my book is a no no. Tom

Bill Baker

Date: 8/29/2022 7:29:00 AM

Great write, Tom. I enjoying reading the Tales of Soup Creek. Keep them coming. A poet friend in Texas, Bill

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/29/2022 8:29:00 AM

Thank you very much Bill, im happy you enjoyed it. Hope you're well. Tom

Susan Lawrence

Date: 8/28/2022 7:53:00 AM

You are a champion Tom bringing Soup Creek to reality in your fine storytelling. A keeper of peace and an amazing messenger you are ! Ride on into the sunset ! Looking forward to more . Hugs, Susan :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/28/2022 8:21:00 AM

Thank you very much Susan, im happy you enjoyed it. Another is in the pipeline. Greetings from Spain, I'm on my travels again. Tom

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 8/25/2022 4:31:00 PM

- Tom, this was a fun story...you have a special way of writing stories...which I love...I can picture it all...names and titles fit great :))) - A visit in Soup Creek ... "sounds good to me " :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/26/2022 12:22:00 AM

Thank you Anne, im glad that you enjoyed it. Hope you're keeping well. Been travelling again so I've been away from soup. Tom

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 8/25/2022 9:38:00 AM

What a hoot for the soup, great story telling through poetry Tom… Belle

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/26/2022 12:21:00 AM

Thank you very much Belle, im happy you enjoyed it. Just back from Cornwall, so been offline most of the week. Off to Majorca tomorrow so will be dark again. Hope you're both well. Tom

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 8/22/2022 2:25:00 PM

Hi Tom you would make an excellent Mayor and i absolutely loved your poem. However you have to keep your Newspaper going and don't forget your journalism skills and Putin and his stories bizarre, you remind me of Churchill, just add a cigar. Blessings, Jennifer.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/26/2022 12:19:00 AM

Thank you very much Jennifer I'm pleased that you enjoyed the story. Hope you're well. Tom

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 8/20/2022 6:13:00 AM

Fantastic depiction of reality, my dearest friend, Tom. PoetrySoup is really a wonderful group for someone to be in. All of its members were and are profited. God bless everyone. You have written a marvelous and joyful poem. A masterpiece! Blessings!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/21/2022 5:31:00 AM

Thank you very much Demetrios apologies for the late reply, I'm on my travels again. Hope you're fully recovered now. Tom

Eve Roper

Date: 8/18/2022 3:18:00 PM

So very true on the blog. I try to stay out of mix harsh emotions. Great story. Blessings dear friend.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/18/2022 10:58:00 PM

Thank you Eve, thankfully it doesn't happen too often. I'm pleased that you enjoyed it. Tom

Terry Flood

Date: 8/18/2022 2:48:00 PM

Brilliantly fun write, Tom. I’m loathe to point this out but you now have a price on your head three times over, firstly by the Soup creek renegade(s), secondly by them there Ruskies and third by Vegemite lovers everywhere. If we were ever to meet could we please stand a little way apart? Ha ha. Terry

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/18/2022 11:01:00 PM

Lol, psst I'm wearing a trench coat, dark glasses and sporting a long clip on beard. Can you still see me? damn. Tom

Besma Riabi Dziri

Date: 8/18/2022 12:50:00 AM

A true treat to read! The power to knit so brilliant a creation of so rich and imagination and so eloquent a poetry! The mastery to have your avid reader follow the flow of your words and relish in a so cheering mood! How wonderful to read you Tom! You have a so unique flair for storytelling in a fine poetry.. Hope you are doing great ! Always an immense pleasure and honour to be here.. Thank you so much for sharing your precious work of art .. My deepest regards and blessings.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/18/2022 1:28:00 AM

Thank you very much Besma, I love stories about the old American west and have read many books on the history of it. I'm happy that you enjoyed it. Tom

Harry Horsman

Date: 8/17/2022 8:41:00 PM

Okay, Tom, put them all on a stage, The poem becomes the script, and everyone has a great old time, love the poetry, the theme, and the flow. All the best to you...Harry

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 11:32:00 PM

Thank you Harry, I'm happy you enjoyed the humour, waiting for Hollywood to call. Tom

Gershon Wolf

Date: 8/17/2022 6:36:00 PM

Ha, ha! A little birdie tells me that 'Soup Creek' is really Poetry Soup Creek!... I see that you have a bit of Alfred Hitchcock in you, Tom. He too used to reserve a small role for himself in his movie productions... My regards to the undertaker, in case you happen to know the fellow. lol. Keep Smiling, Gershon

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 11:30:00 PM

Thank you Gershon, you're spot on, the little birdie was right. Tom

Jenna Logan
Date: 8/17/2022 7:52:00 PM

That's Mayor Tom, GW.

Alexis Y.

Date: 8/17/2022 2:26:00 PM

WoW! Tom, You have done it again . This is well written, imaginative, clever and funny. You did a good job putting the “ drama” that goes on in the soup, it a poetic way. I agree with Jenna you should be nominated for the mayor for the town of Soup Creek. PS, where I am I? Lol! Excellent job. Have a nice day:-) Alexis

Alexis Y.
Date: 9/27/2022 7:30:00 PM

Yes. Lol!

Jenna Logan
Date: 8/17/2022 4:31:00 PM

And now we have a third poet who thinks Tom is our new Mayor. Thanks, Alexis! There's an opening for a female saloon singer where I work. Would you like to try out?

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 2:35:00 PM

Thank you for the vote of confidence Alexis, I'm happy that you enjoyed the story. Peace has returned once again lol. Hope your day is going well. Tom

Jenna Logan

Date: 8/17/2022 1:12:00 PM

Oh My Gosh, Tom. I LOVE the way you cleaned up Soup Creek and hung a new sign. Yep, you are mayor material alright, and if no one seconds my motion by tomorrow, I'm declaring you Mayor by default. pssttt. I know lots who would second it if they knew it was on the table by reading my post to you.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 11:27:00 PM

I humbly accept the position of mayor of Soup Creek I promise to serve with honour and distinction and will uphold the rule of law and order and protect our peaceful way of life.

Jenna Logan
Date: 8/17/2022 4:31:00 PM

YAY, Thanks, David. I declare Tom Cunningham to be the first and hopefully only, Mayor of Soup Creek. The room above the courthouse is yours. An inaugural ball sounds positively divine. I'll have to get a new gown and a date!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 2:39:00 PM

Lol,I wonder where this will lead, thanks for the votes of confidence, I'll need a new suit,have only got a black one. Of course I'll be holding an inaugural ball ,give us a chance to dress up in our finery.

David Kavanagh
Date: 8/17/2022 2:07:00 PM

As always I’m Paddy last to check back in on proceedings, but yes indeed I second your nomination Jenna for Tom Cunningham to be mayor of Soup Creek, cheers David

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 1:53:00 PM

Lol thank you Jenna, Don't want to jump the gun but I hear there's a spare room above the courthouse that's been empty for a while and it would make an excellent mayor's office. Tom

Lisa Ricci

Date: 8/17/2022 12:03:00 PM

Hello Tom. Wow and wow again. This is extraordinary. You have out done yourself with detail and how this was well thought out and executed. Truly. If I haven't told you before, you can wirte. Thank you for sharing with us all Tom. Have a wonderful night. Blessings always.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 12:49:00 PM

Thank you very much Lisa, I'm happy that you enjoyed the humour. Tom

Rico Leffanta

Date: 8/17/2022 11:05:00 AM

Quite a mission you have undertaken! Well done! Aloha!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 11:06:00 AM

Thank you Rico, glad you enjoyed the humour. Tom

Jenna Logan

Date: 8/17/2022 7:02:00 AM

Michael will make a fine deputy, willing to stand for goodness and honesty. Undertaker Tom, I think you deserve a new job in Soup Creek, so I'm nominating you to be town mayor as well as undertaker. I think you're a mighty fine gent who deserves that title, since you seem to have a keen eye, and always lookin' out for the residents of our community. I hope someone will second my nomination so we can get you sworn in, too.

Jenna Logan
Date: 8/17/2022 8:04:00 AM

You earned the position. Now, we just need one more poet to read that you've been nominated to make it so. ;) Let's see who comments and takes the time to read my post.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 7:21:00 AM

Well you've blown me away Jenna and it would be a great honour to serve our community in life and indeed death. Thanks for the nomination, Tom

Vijay Pandit

Date: 8/17/2022 4:27:00 AM

Creative and humorous Tom. Kudos for your talented writes.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 5:02:00 AM

Thank you very much Vijay, im happy that you enjoyed it. Tom

Christuraj Alex

Date: 8/17/2022 3:57:00 AM

You are a master poet. All your writings have pretty narrations and picturesque scenes. This involves an interesting story. Proceeds very lively like an action film. Very beautiful work.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 5:04:00 AM

Thank you very much Christuraj, I love the old American west and have read countless books about it. Tom

Sara Kendrick

Date: 8/17/2022 3:44:00 AM

Creative way to go with a reply to the blog by Milton. Ha! Ha!! You have this western theme down don't you. I appreciate the visit to my page. I answered a short reply about Jr. Sara

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 5:03:00 AM

Thank you very much Sara, read many books on the old west, I find it fascinating. I'm pleased that you enjoyed it. Tom

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 8/17/2022 1:21:00 AM

Clever and interesting third installment. I bet there will be more. We love them. Wonderful poem.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 1:29:00 AM

Thank you very much Victor, if Soup Creek comes under any sort of threat then expect more lol. Tom

Michael Tor

Date: 8/16/2022 9:40:00 PM

Lol. Tom you cleverly wrote a wonderful humorous outcome that the good guy(Milton) wins. Love how you took the controversy and levelled it off in humor. Great Job and good looking out for your friend. I am sure your support for Milton is well appreciated by all his followers including me. Keep up the good work Partner, and if you need to Deputize more Deputies count me in.

Michael Tor
Date: 8/17/2022 2:40:00 PM

I did and I really, really enjoyed reading. Your creativity and thoughtfulness shows the kind and good friend that you are to all who are close to you Tom. God bless you for all you do for others...

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 12:49:00 AM

Raise your right hand Michael and repeat after me, I Michael Tor lol. You're now on Sheriff Koplin payrole. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Tom

Valsa George

Date: 8/16/2022 9:09:00 PM

A very interesting tale of all those who are pledged to preserve Soup Creek a place of amity and peaceful co existence . Those who threaten its good ambiance will be seriously dealt with. I like your self assigned job of a grave digger, Tom ! Chuckles.... :) :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 8/17/2022 12:47:00 AM

Thank you very much Valsa, Sheriff Koplin and his deputies are always on the lookout for any troublemakers lol. Tom