Notes About The Poem

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Abandoned

The notorious Jones gang had robbed the bank in town
And as they made their escape a man was gunned down
It was Bill the mayor and he'd tried to stop the gang
I'd been walking by the river when I'd heard a loud bang.

I ran towards the bank and saw the gang ride away
Bill was so badly injured he died later that day
I was sheriff of the town and asked for volunteers
Ten good men raised their hands to rapturous cheers.

I had a hunch they'd head west to the old copper mine
Where a deserted cabin stood by the railroad line
It had a well for fresh water that their horses would need
They'd be so thirsty having run at a galloping speed.

We all saddled up our horses and headed west out of town
It was now starting to get dark as the sun was going down
A few hours out we found the cabin where they'd rested
The fire was still warm as the dying embers suggested. 

They'd split up their haul we found the empty bags discarded
We too stopped for a rest and soon the cabin we vacated
We carried on and reached the badlands that godforsaken place
Where many a poor soul had disappeared without trace.

We came across the outlaws camp later the same day
And for the murder of Bill I was going to make them pay
We surrounded their camp and a shootout began
I shouted to the posse "we need them alive if you can".

The gangs bullets ran out and they put their hands in the air
They cast aside their weapons they hadn't a care
We handcuffed the four of them and headed back to town
And we arrived back that evening just before sundown.

The townsfolk were ecstatic and our praises they sang
The next day in the courthouse all were sentenced to hang
Their lawyers plea for leniency by the judge was rejected
But if you rob and kill then swift justice is to be expected.


Written on Friday 19th June 2020

For thesaurus -Abandon Or Abandon Poetry Contest

Sponsored By A Dear Heart.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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12
Makama Avatar
June 25, 2020 at 12:54 PM
A big big congratulations on your win Tom! What an epic tale, so so enjoyable.. I am glad the gang which robbed the bank was later hanged.. Oh nice piece.
Cunningham Avatar
June 25, 2020 at 1:01 PM
Thank you Funom, I'm glad you enjoyed it Crime certainly doesn't pay. Tom
La France Avatar
June 24, 2020 at 7:31 PM
Tom, congratulations on your win in my abandon contest with this wonderfully penned poem, you skill at storytelling is really great _Constance
Cunningham Avatar
June 24, 2020 at 7:52 PM
Thank you very much Constance, I'm pleased you enjoyed it, thank you too for hosting. Tom
Krutsinger Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 7:37 PM
Congratulations on your win Tom. You deserved it.
Cunningham Avatar
June 23, 2020 at 3:16 AM
Thank you Caren, my love of the old west helped me with this one. Tom
Proxenos Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 9:40 AM
Awesome poem - you are quite the story teller Tom and this write I am sure will rate very high in the contest. Great poetic craftsmanship. Blessings, Jenny,
Cunningham Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 12:02 PM
Thank you Jennifer, I'm happy you enjoyed it. Hope you're well Tom
Proxenos Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 9:34 AM
Awesome poem - you are quite the story teller Tom and this write I am sure will rate very high in the contest. Great poetic craftsmanship. Blessings, Jenny,
Mishra Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 8:11 AM
Oh this is absolutely great Tom! Your engaging storytelling keeps me gripped till the end. Congratulations on your win :)
Cunningham Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 8:42 AM
Thank you Aditi, I'm pleased you enjoyed the story. Tom
Horsman Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 2:21 AM
Oh yes, your poetry as usually is amazing, love how you've wrapped this around those words for the contest, i'm sure Constance will love this..
Cunningham Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 3:27 AM
Thank you Harry, it was quite challenging. Tom
Wolf Avatar
June 21, 2020 at 10:34 PM
Great historical-type write, Tom. Vintage T.C., I'd say! … I like that swift justice at the end. We need some of that badly in the USA. Cases drag on forever, frustrating all parties involved. As we are wont to say: The wheels of justice grind slowly. As long as justice prevails, I'm all for swift and sure! Thanks, Tom. :) Gershon
Cunningham Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 3:26 AM
Thank you Gershon, I couldn't agree more, too many do gooder lawyers sticking their oar in delaying things. Tom
Tor Avatar
June 21, 2020 at 10:33 PM
Tom it kept my curiosity up and was a treat to read. Thanks for your effort my friend.
Cunningham Avatar
June 22, 2020 at 3:25 AM
Thank you very much Michael, I'm glad you liked it. Tom
Mcconnell Avatar
June 21, 2020 at 4:07 PM
Great write Tom, I really enjoyed this one, nothing to beat a good western, Blessings, Gordon
Cunningham Avatar
June 21, 2020 at 4:40 PM
Thank you Gordon, happy you enjoyed it. I agree, nothing bears a good western. Tom
One Avatar
June 21, 2020 at 3:54 PM
Yeeha! Great storytelling Tom... This flowed really well... Seems like the rain has stopped and sun has come back...
Cunningham Avatar
June 21, 2020 at 4:39 PM
Thank you S. O, I love stories of the old west, yes I heard its picking up again anf temps of 28c are forecast, bring it on.
Bateman Avatar
June 21, 2020 at 1:48 PM
Hello Tom, Wild West -- eh?? I read your rhyme here with great interest indeed. The "James Gang" is certainly an interesting theme to write about. I thoroughly enjoyed your narrative here. "Notorious" aptly describes this infamous gang for sure. Most Excellent Work!! Cheers and Best, Gary
Cunningham Avatar
June 21, 2020 at 2:09 PM
Thank you very much Gary, I'm happy that you enjoyed it. I hope all is well with you. Tom
Laurie Avatar
June 20, 2020 at 11:12 PM
G'day Tom … I absolutely love these 'Wild West' tales with the heroes and villains and I did enjoy yours. I attempted one named 'Slowest With a Gun' and it's posted on here. Those old westerns we watched when a kid I wouldn't miss - thanks Tom; loved this - Lindsay
Cunningham Avatar
June 21, 2020 at 5:13 AM
Thank you Lindsay. I grew up with a love of westerns and read many books. I'll visit your poem Hope you're well Tom
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
June 20, 2020 at 10:11 PM
You took me to the Wild West, Tom! A great story...I enjoyed reading it tonight. Blessings, Rhonda xx
Cunningham Avatar
June 21, 2020 at 5:10 AM
Thank you Rhonda, I'm happy you enjoyed it. Hope you're well Tom
Rodrigues Avatar
June 20, 2020 at 3:26 PM
You are wonderful with these ballads! Your mind reels with cowboy and frontier stories!
Cunningham Avatar
June 20, 2020 at 3:30 PM
Thank you Kim, love the old west, Read all of Louis L'Amours books Seems to have rubbed off on me. Tom
Riabi Dziri Avatar
June 20, 2020 at 12:43 PM
A great story in a great rhyme with the wealth of diction and the moral of message! You captivate the heart of the reader with such a wonderful entry! Worthy of high placement! An immense pleasure to read, Tom! My deepest regards and blessings.
Cunningham Avatar
June 20, 2020 at 2:02 PM
Thank you very much Besma. I'm happy that you enjoyed my story. I hope you are well, enjoy your weekend. Tom
Lamoureux Avatar
June 20, 2020 at 6:54 AM
Just love this piece. You are in rare form my friend. ;0)
Cunningham Avatar
June 20, 2020 at 7:00 AM
Thank you Richard, I'm happy you enjoyed it. Tom
Chiri Avatar
June 20, 2020 at 5:37 AM
Reads like a winner Tom! Loved the read! Good luck in the contest!:)
Cunningham Avatar
June 20, 2020 at 6:12 AM
Thank you very much Brenda, I'm happy you enjoyed it. Hope alls well, enjoy your weekend. Tom
Brown  Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 9:20 PM
I enjoyed this Tom. Well done! Like a scene from True Grit (one of my all time favourite films) :-)
Cunningham Avatar
June 20, 2020 at 5:02 AM
Thank you Lisa, they done a remake of true grit but I prefer the original with John Wayne and Kim Darby. Tom
Mcguire Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 9:12 PM
Another great tale that kept me entertained until the end. well done. if you get a chance read my "a cowpoke and his beer" and "shot from the saddle" a little western flair for you.
Cunningham Avatar
June 20, 2020 at 5:00 AM
Thank you Timothy, glad you liked it, I'll head over to those soon. Tom
Mcguire Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 9:11 PM
Another great tale that kept me entertained until the end. well done. if you get a chance read my "a cowpoke and his beer" and "shot from the saddle" a little western flair for you
Mcgee Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 2:08 PM
A great tale you told that sure won't be rejected...love it Tom.
Cunningham Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 2:14 PM
Thank you very much Jeanne, I'm happy you enjoyed it. Tom
Romios Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 10:10 AM
Excellent, Tom. A great tale of Americana. If this is not first place, will eat my garden hat.-)) Admire your poetic form and artistry, maestro! Panagiota
Cunningham Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 11:45 AM
Thanks Panagiota, make sure it's an edible one lol. Tom
Lane Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 8:59 AM
I must apologize for neglecting your poetry, Tom. I just haven't been in the soup pot lately. I wish you well with this contest entry. It's quite well done. Hugs and sweet thoughts....
Cunningham Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 11:44 AM
Thank you Lin, no apology needed, I hope you are keeping well. Tom
Pandit Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 6:48 AM
You take us back in time in this story, Tom. That is how it was done! Great story telling, as always. Glad they paid for the crimes.
Cunningham Avatar
June 19, 2020 at 6:55 AM
Thank you Vijay, I read all of Louis Lamours books years ago , I find the old west fascinating. Tom
12
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