Notes About The Poem

From what I read Belle really wasn't a bad person in and of herself but she chose to hang out with people who were always in trouble of one kind or another. Her name was linked with most of the famous outlaws of the 1800's. She and her husband knew most of them quite well and harbored them when they were on the run.

Belle Starr - the Bandit Queen

Belle hung out and consorted with outlaws,
So folks shunned her and called her a scoff law;
But things aren't as they seem,
And though not squeaky clean,
'Twas the men in her life who were outlaws.

Sam Starr was a Cherokee man.
They married and lived on the land.
To friends who were weary,
They gave sanctuary,
In their home out on Cherokee land.

When Sam was killed in a gun fight,
Belle mourned his death day and night.
With him life was good,
He did what he could,
To provide what he thought was right.

To stay home on Cherokee land,
She must marry a Cherokee man,
So she married Sam's cousin,
Just to have a husband,
But Belle still missed her Sam.

Belle lost her life one fine day,
On her way home from a visit  they say.
No one knows for sure,
For the history is poor,
But they ambushed her while on her way.

So the queen was brought to her knees.
Shot down like a dog if you please.
Remember this well,
And you won't go to Hell,
If you lay down with dogs you'll get fleas.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Pettit Avatar
March 21, 2021 at 6:00 AM
The Three Stooges made a final film titled "The Outlaws Is Coming". A local Philadelphia celebrity named Sally Starr (not a descendent) portrayed Belle in the picture. Another great informative write I enjoyed reading.
Ball Avatar
March 21, 2021 at 9:48 PM
Thanks bunches Robert. Glad you like it. God Bless, JB
Leffanta Avatar
March 17, 2021 at 12:27 PM
The last line is certainly a jump-start to reality! Aloha! Rico
Buhagiar Avatar
March 16, 2021 at 12:44 PM
Loved the ending. You must have studied her history well. A fine story.
Ball Avatar
March 16, 2021 at 1:13 PM
There is a lot about her online. Very interesting life she led. Thanks bunches Victor. God Bless, JB
Cunningham Avatar
March 16, 2021 at 11:38 AM
Although I'd heard if her I don't know much about her, you've whet my appetite to know more, must Google her. Well written Judy Tom
Ball Avatar
March 16, 2021 at 1:09 PM
There is a lot about her online. Thanks bunches Tom. God Bless, JB
Hankins Avatar
March 16, 2021 at 11:29 AM
I studied about Belle in Frontier History class. She was something else! I loved your poem, especially the last two lines. My grandma used to say that when she disapproved of some of my friends.
Ball Avatar
March 16, 2021 at 1:06 PM
Thanks bunches Milton. God Bless, JB
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