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A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To My Hanging -Part Deux

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Dedicated to a fine poet on soup, Lin Lane ------------------------------------------------- I shook hands with my brother and bade him farewell Then set off on my journey away from this hell Mexico I’d head for and buy a small farm Meanwhile back in town the guards raised the alarm. A posse they assembled to help track me down But saw some Apaches and hightailed it back to town It was far from over, the Pinkertons were brought in Determined they were, to carry out the hanging. After three days riding my horse became lame It slowed down my escape that made me fair game Sold my horse at Santa Fe and boarded a train Vowed I’d never come back to America again. Two whole years went by and I was living free Thought they’ve given up now, they’ll never find me Bought a farm, met a girl, a beautiful senorita Had two children both girls, Anna and Conchita. One day I went to town to buy some supplies The Pinkertons were there, I couldn’t believe my eyes They arrested me at gunpoint and they took me to jail I strongly protested my innocence but to no avail. Spent a week in the jail while they sorted deportation Paperwork completed, headed for the railroad station After a long journey we arrived back in Colorado They had the noose ready, they were raring to go. All over the state the news was all about me The Pinkertons just loved their new found glory The night before the hanging I heard guns blazing What happened after that was truly amazing. About a hundred desperado's invaded the town Burst into the jail and told me to lie down The sound was deafening as they shot at the lock The Pinkertons stood speechless, they were in shock. I went out into the street and a voice said to me “We only found out because of the publicity” Then out of the shadows came a face I knew well My twin brother once more had rescued me from hell. He said “join our gang and we’ll ride far away” I said “crimes not for me and one day you’ll pay” Rode back to Mexico to round up my family Then headed to Brazil where I now live and I’m free. Lin suggested a part deux so I was inspired to write a sequel, thanks Lin.

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Jennifer Fenn

Date: 11/17/2020 8:13:00 PM

This second part is awesome too, Tom. How about a trilogy? What happens in Brazil? The narrator could rescue the outlaw brother...or find they have a triplet, or a long lost sister, maybe? I’m staying tuned...

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/18/2020 12:08:00 AM

Thank you Jennifer, look below, I put the link to the last part below your last comment. Im pleased that you are enjoying them. Tom

Cecilia Macfarlane

Date: 11/15/2020 4:24:00 PM

Wow Tom, this is excellent, it keeps getting better, that's what a great story teller does and you don't disappoint. Can't wait to read the conclusion. Hugs

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/16/2020 1:10:00 AM

Thank you very much Cecilia, im happy you're enjoying it. Tom

Jennifer Fenn

Date: 11/14/2020 6:18:00 PM

I was glad to get the first part in my email. Great story! Was looking to comment on it when I saw this sequel. Like the first one, it had my attention the entire time, and kept me wanting to know what would happen next. How about making this a trilogy?

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/14/2020 7:29:00 PM

Thank you very much Jennifer, im happy you enjoyed it Find below the link to the conclusion.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/14/2020 7:28:00 PM

https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/a_funny_thing_happened_on_the_way_to_my_hanging_the_conclusion_1218017

John Watt

Date: 11/13/2020 10:27:00 AM

Had to check out part deux, wasn't disappointed! More great story telling in verse. On my way now to check out your conclusion ~ John

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/13/2020 10:57:00 AM

Thank you John, im happy you are enjoying the story. Tom

Sandra L. Weiss

Date: 6/16/2019 12:57:00 PM

I love westerns, so I love both parts of this riveting old west story. So well written Tom, I couldn't wait for your next line. Brought back memories of some of my favorite western movies.Tombstone is one of them. So enjoyed this!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 6/16/2019 1:08:00 PM

Thank you Sandra, I grew up.reading westerns', I must have read every Louis Lamour books he ever wrote Tombstone, that is one good western, had an email from an author in California and she wanted to use a poem I wrote called snake oil man. I was honoured to say the least. Tom

Lawrence Sharp

Date: 12/7/2018 6:23:00 AM

When I first came to PS in July, Part One of this set was one of the earliest pieces I read. I didn't leave any comment at the time because I was brand new here and just finding my feet, but I've always remembered what a brilliant work of story-telling it was. I just stumbled across Part Two now, and it's every bit as impressive as Part One. An outstanding set, Tom.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 12/7/2018 7:11:00 AM

thanks very much Lawrence, I'm glad that you enjoyed the story. Regards Tom

Constance La France

Date: 11/21/2018 4:55:00 PM

Tom, your write is wonderful, you are a fantastic storyteller, I was clinging to each word, well done ~

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/21/2018 11:08:00 PM

Thank you Dear Heart, happy you liked my story. Tom.

Vladislav Raven

Date: 11/17/2018 2:42:00 PM

Hi Tom, such wonderful story-telling my friend. I was hooked from start to finish. I am glad the tale had a happy ending, I couldn't see how it would have. This is an excellent write Tom. I so enjoyed this read my friend. Have a wonderful end to your Saturday. Your friend always....Mike. A fave.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/18/2018 1:44:00 AM

Thank you Mike, This was a follow up to one I had done for a contest, already a souper has requested a third part. Have a great weekend. Tom.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 11/3/2018 6:35:00 AM

Enjoyed part deux! I elt for his wife and kids left behind. So glad they were reunited and that he turned from his life of crime. Of course a good woman and kids to return to were a great incentive ;) Thoroughly enjoyed your masterfully written tale!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 11/3/2018 7:26:00 AM

Thank you Kim, happy you enjoyed it, Caren was hinting for a part three but the ink is still wet lol. Tom.

Winged Warrior

Date: 10/29/2018 1:39:00 PM

...a fitting dedication to our fine Miss Lady Lin...even if it is a hanging lol...love & light...^WW^

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/30/2018 2:43:00 AM

Thank you W.W.,thanks where its due, it was Lin that put the idea in my head to write a sequel. Tom.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 10/29/2018 2:41:00 AM

- You tell an old tale ... like old-fashioned "Rock and Roll" into glory, Tom - Excellent written :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/29/2018 3:23:00 AM

Thank you Sunshine, happy you enjoyed my story. Tom.

Lindsay Laurie

Date: 10/28/2018 7:32:00 PM

G'day Tom ... I couldn't help but think of the old westerns I watched on T. V. Your well presented story could easily be written into a script to revive those nostalgic days of the wild west - thanks Tom - Lindsay

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/29/2018 3:22:00 AM

Thanks Lindsay, credit.to Louis Lamour, I was a big fan of his western novels. Tom.

Alexis Y.

Date: 10/28/2018 1:08:00 PM

Hi Tom, Twin bro comes to the rescue again. Part two was just as good as the first part:-) Alexis

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/28/2018 1:13:00 PM

Thank you Alexis, glad you liked it, Caren is looking for part three and the ink from part two is still drying lol Tom.

Demetrios Trifiatis

Date: 10/28/2018 12:56:00 PM

Your masterful writing has reached its culminating point! It goes without saying that you are a great storyteller dear friend, Tom!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/28/2018 12:59:00 PM

Thank you very much Demetrios, I appreciate your kind comments. Tom.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/28/2018 10:31:00 AM

great cowboy poetry, Tom. I sure enjoyed your rhyming tale of the guy who it looks like has escaped death more than just once!!

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/28/2018 10:35:00 AM

Thank you Andrea, Caren was looking for part three, but your luck has to run out sometime. Tom.

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 10/28/2018 9:39:00 AM

Loved the first one and if possible this is even better! Great storytelling Tom.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/28/2018 10:14:00 AM

Thank you very much Richard, glad you liked it. Tom.

Ravi Sathasivam

Date: 10/28/2018 9:04:00 AM

Excellent . I enjoyed reading your story my friend. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing it.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/28/2018 10:13:00 AM

Thank you Ravi, happy you enjoyed it. Tom.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 10/27/2018 9:06:00 PM

Bringing the old saying to life: 'Hang in there!' Great tale, Tom! ~ Gershon

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/28/2018 2:11:00 AM

Hang in there Lol. Thanks Gershon. Glad you liked it. Tom.

Harry Horsman

Date: 10/27/2018 4:51:00 PM

Wow, love this, i too, will look for part one..

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/28/2018 2:10:00 AM

Thank you Harry, pleased you enjoyed it. Tom.

Lin Lane

Date: 10/27/2018 1:44:00 PM

How very sweet of you to dedicate this to me, Tom. I sincerely treasure your thoughtfulness.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/27/2018 3:08:00 PM

Thank you Lin, you're very welcome. Tom.

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 10/27/2018 7:03:00 AM

This is spot-on hilarious, so now I have to search for Part One, I resolve to find it immediately and read it also! Is it not great that sometimes a contest gives us something super fun to write about?

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/27/2018 8:02:00 AM

I'm happy that you liked it Caren. Tom. Working on your request.

Lin Lane

Date: 10/26/2018 6:15:00 PM

It pays to know people in high sierra places. A great coninuation, Tom.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/27/2018 1:17:00 AM

Thanks again for the inspiration. Tom.

Vijay Pandit

Date: 10/26/2018 5:29:00 PM

I enjoyed reading your story Tom. You are quite a story teller..had fun reading your poem. Kudos for your imagination.

Tom Cunningham
Date: 10/27/2018 1:17:00 AM

Thank you very much Vijay. Tom.