Tom Cunningham Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

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

Dedicated to a fine poet on soup, Lin Lane
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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 November 17, 2020 at 8:13 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 November 18, 2020 at 12:08 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 November 15, 2020 at 4:24 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 November 16, 2020 at 1:10 AM Thank you very much Cecilia, im happy you're enjoying it. Tom

Jennifer Fenn November 14, 2020 at 6:18 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 November 14, 2020 at 7:29 PM Thank you very much Jennifer, im happy you enjoyed it Find below the link to the conclusion. Tom Cunningham November 14, 2020 at 7:28 PM https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/a_funny_thing_happened_on_the_way_to_my_hanging_the_conclusion_1218017

John Watt November 13, 2020 at 10:27 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 November 13, 2020 at 10:57 AM Thank you John, im happy you are enjoying the story. Tom

Lawrence Sharp December 7, 2018 at 6:23 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 December 7, 2018 at 7:11 AM thanks very much Lawrence, I'm glad that you enjoyed the story. Regards Tom

Constance La France November 21, 2018 at 4:55 PM Tom, your write is wonderful, you are a fantastic storyteller, I was clinging to each word, well done ~ Tom Cunningham November 21, 2018 at 11:08 PM Thank you Dear Heart, happy you liked my story. Tom.

Vladislav Raven November 17, 2018 at 2:42 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 November 18, 2018 at 1:44 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 November 3, 2018 at 6:35 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 November 3, 2018 at 7:26 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 October 29, 2018 at 1:39 PM ...a fitting dedication to our fine Miss Lady Lin...even if it is a hanging lol...love & light...^WW^ Tom Cunningham October 30, 2018 at 2:43 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 October 29, 2018 at 2:41 AM - You tell an old tale ... like old-fashioned "Rock and Roll" into glory, Tom - Excellent written :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Tom Cunningham October 29, 2018 at 3:23 AM Thank you Sunshine, happy you enjoyed my story. Tom.

Lindsay Laurie October 28, 2018 at 7:32 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 October 29, 2018 at 3:22 AM Thanks Lindsay, credit.to Louis Lamour, I was a big fan of his western novels. Tom.

Alexis Y. October 28, 2018 at 1:08 PM Hi Tom, Twin bro comes to the rescue again. Part two was just as good as the first part:-) Alexis Tom Cunningham October 28, 2018 at 1:13 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 October 28, 2018 at 12:56 PM Your masterful writing has reached its culminating point! It goes without saying that you are a great storyteller dear friend, Tom! Tom Cunningham October 28, 2018 at 12:59 PM Thank you very much Demetrios, I appreciate your kind comments. Tom.

Andrea Dietrich October 28, 2018 at 10:31 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 October 28, 2018 at 10:35 AM Thank you Andrea, Caren was looking for part three, but your luck has to run out sometime. Tom.

Richard Lamoureux October 28, 2018 at 9:39 AM Loved the first one and if possible this is even better! Great storytelling Tom. Tom Cunningham October 28, 2018 at 10:14 AM Thank you very much Richard, glad you liked it. Tom.

Ravi Sathasivam October 28, 2018 at 9:04 AM Excellent . I enjoyed reading your story my friend. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing it. Tom Cunningham October 28, 2018 at 10:13 AM Thank you Ravi, happy you enjoyed it. Tom.

Gershon Wolf October 27, 2018 at 9:06 PM Bringing the old saying to life: 'Hang in there!' Great tale, Tom! ~ Gershon Tom Cunningham October 28, 2018 at 2:11 AM Hang in there Lol. Thanks Gershon. Glad you liked it. Tom.

Harry Horsman October 27, 2018 at 4:51 PM Wow, love this, i too, will look for part one.. Tom Cunningham October 28, 2018 at 2:10 AM Thank you Harry, pleased you enjoyed it. Tom.

Lin Lane October 27, 2018 at 1:44 PM How very sweet of you to dedicate this to me, Tom. I sincerely treasure your thoughtfulness. Tom Cunningham October 27, 2018 at 3:08 PM Thank you Lin, you're very welcome. Tom.

Caren Krutsinger October 27, 2018 at 7:03 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 October 27, 2018 at 8:02 AM I'm happy that you liked it Caren. Tom. Working on your request.

Lin Lane October 26, 2018 at 6:15 PM It pays to know people in high sierra places. A great coninuation, Tom. Tom Cunningham October 27, 2018 at 1:17 AM Thanks again for the inspiration. Tom.

Vijay Pandit October 26, 2018 at 5:29 PM I enjoyed reading your story Tom. You are quite a story teller..had fun reading your poem. Kudos for your imagination. Tom Cunningham October 27, 2018 at 1:17 AM Thank you very much Vijay. Tom.