4. Billy, the Kid

Continued From: 3. Quien es?" "Who is it?" Part 3 http://www.poetrysoup.com/poems_poets/poem_detail.aspx?ID=195853 **************************************************************************** "I find it very hard that I should be the only one to suffer the most extreme penalties of the law." - BILLY the Kid - In an interview while on route to his execution in Lincoln County New Mexico where he was sentenced to be hanged. Back then it didn't matter who was right or wrong. What mattered was who had the fastest gun. The untamed Old West lived by a code back then. "I'll Die Before I Run." An 18 year old boy wanders into town. All of the locals stare the young stranger down. All of his instincts tell him to turn around, but he can't turn his back and run. The youngster can't afford any fear. The kid's found himself much needed work here, but the competition's greed is ruthless. That's why he wears a gun. Young William Bonney was just another cowboy looking for work to earn an honest day's pay. He rode into Lincoln County, New Mexico as a simple hired rancher's hand, but he'd ride out to become a legend one day. Today he's America's most famous bad boy, but he left us more legend than fact of all he did. His legend continues to live on in stories, movies, books and song. Who hasn't heard of BILLY the Kid? BILLY the Kid's life of crime for many it seems has been greatly exaggerated to the extremes. He never robbed a bank, stagecoach or train. He never harmed an innocent for pleasure or financial gain. He was just a common stock thief. He'd steal horses and cattle from corrupt, rich Cattle Barons who'd respond in bloody battle. It was a lifestyle that Billy truly didn't desire, but when your wanted by the law employers don't hire. **************************************************************************** To Continue Go To: 5. Billy, the Kid Part 2 http://www.poetrysoup.com/poems_poets/poem_detail.aspx?ID=195851