Ballad of a Desperado

...inspired by the Robert Earl Keen Jr song 
   'The Road Goes On Forever'


Flying high thru south west Texas
black Camaro's leaking oil,
radiator needs attention,
sputtering, it starts to boil.

Up ahead a service station,
got to get attention quick,
a fast mechanic and a twelve pack,
cigs and chew will do the trick.

Curt's his name, his disposition,
mean, and dangerous to boot,
he robbed a bank in Amarillo,
teller there he had to shoot.

He doesn't know the teller made it,
thinks he's headed for the Chair,
guns the Chevy, checks the rear view,
blows a tire and fits the spare.

Evening comes, it starts to raining,
visibility is bad,
seven beers, he feels some comfort,
wildest time he's ever had!

Heading southward to the border,
up to speed, he's almost there,
no sign of lawmen in his mirror,
no restrictions anywhere.

North of Shafter there's a roadblock,
troopers out in full array,
he floors the pedal, doing ninety,
they're not gonna block his way!

He slams a cruiser at full measure,
they are stationed full three deep,
a fiery heap of molten metal,
none to grieve and none to weep.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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A  Avatar
June 27, 2015 at 1:27 AM
Keith, Congratulations on having your poem featured this past week. SKAT love
Bickerstaffe Avatar
June 27, 2015 at 7:02 PM
Thanks SKAT! love, Keith
Eastman Avatar
June 21, 2015 at 9:16 AM
Congrats on being featured...
Bickerstaffe Avatar
June 21, 2015 at 10:54 AM
Thanks Carol! Best wishes, Keith
Black Blacharczyk Avatar
June 15, 2015 at 7:06 AM
I enjoyed the story telling and imagery. I couldn't stop reading it.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
June 15, 2015 at 8:23 AM
Thanks Frank! much appreciated. Keith
Lariviere Avatar
May 29, 2015 at 12:25 PM
Beautiful!
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 29, 2015 at 12:27 PM
Thanks so much! Best wishes, Keith
Onclaud Avatar
May 29, 2015 at 3:16 AM
awed by your attention to details and the lyricism of this fine piece, keith... much enjoyed!.. huggs
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 29, 2015 at 3:40 AM
Thanks nette! It's been a while, but I promise to be a more regular visitor to your pages. I remember from before what a fine poet you are so you can expect to see more of me! Best wishes, Keith
Bauer Avatar
May 28, 2015 at 5:01 PM
keith - you could write about anything and the resulting poem would be magical. this is a wonderful story and, as always, your deft touch with rhyme adds so much to the mix. just brilliant!
Eastman Avatar
May 28, 2015 at 4:05 PM
So you're in love with story poems too. Good one. I have about 86 poems about Dragons, Trolls, and their friends. Would like to put them in a 'humorous' poetry book some day.
A  Avatar
May 28, 2015 at 1:34 PM
like the ending
Kendrick Avatar
May 28, 2015 at 12:20 PM
Very descriptive work..An interesting story told in poetic expression..Thanks for your visit..Sara
Bickerstaffe Avatar
May 28, 2015 at 12:40 PM
You are most welcome! and thanks for your comments! Keith
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