A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To My Hanging the Conclusion
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I wrote the original to this trilogy back in 2018 and Lin Lane asked for a follow up which I did, Then Caren Krutsinger requested a part three so here it is.
Ive attached the links to the other two should you wish to read them.
https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/a_funny_thing_happened_on_the_way_to_my_hanging_1038053
https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/a_funny_thing_happened_on_the_way_to_my_hanging_-part_deux_1078413
( For Caren Krutsinger)
The long arm of the law reaches far and wide
If you've done wrong you've no place to hide
Didn't bother my brother, he was quick on the draw
But I'm his law abiding twin, he's an outlaw.
A ranchers life in Brazil for me was quite grand
Owned a small herd and worked hard on my land
I got quite friendly with the storekeeper in town
He too was American by the name of Will Brown.
He had some kinfolk in the town of Laramie
They'd send him newspapers that he'd pass on to me
I got home one day after getting some supplies
Opened the paper and couldn't believe my eyes.
The front page stated there had been a robbery
At the first cattle ranchers bank in Laramie
Some Pinkertons were killed and some outlaws too
Many of the gang survived and south they flew.
Headlines said it was a gang led by Tommy Lee
Now I was worried because they'd think it was me
The weeks rolled by and it soon left my mind
Went out on the range, some missing cows to find.
I spotted them by the river and headed on down
Water was deep there and I feared they might drown
My horse was acting uneasy and I felt it too
Then someone shouted "stop or I'll shoot you".
Two mean riders appeared their guns trained on me.
One said "I'll be damned if it isn't Tommy Lee"
Then added "we've been tracking you for a while
Now we'll collect the bounty" he said with a smile.
One cuffed me putting my arms behind my back
Then I heard a loud sound like a rifle crack
One fell off his horse and then hit the ground
Then I heard it again the same rifle sound.
I was in total shock those bounty hunters dead
The both of them had been shot in the head
Then a voice I knew said, "John I'll soon have you free"
And there before me was my brother Tommy Lee.
He said "my world is shrinking they want me dead
There's ten thousand dollars upon my head
Go to your ranch and get your daughters and wife
Come away with me and we'll start a new life".
"I've got plenty money, we'll get a boat to Spain
You'll never look over your shoulder again
And never have to work, we'll live like royalty"
I didn't think twice, saying "it sounds good to me".
Written 18th January 2020.
Copyright © Tom Cunningham | Year Posted 2020
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