Dangerous Dan McGrew

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"Then I ducked my head, and the lights went out, and two guns blazed in the dark,
And a woman screamed, and the lights went up, and two men lay stiff and stark."
- The Shooting of Dan McGrew, Robert W. Service

A tribute to our lovely Dad, who in his last days and at 92 could still recite, word perfect, this poem (see image) copied into his army notebook, circa 1953 (age 22) despite his dementia and frailty.

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A Jinjagoliath poem:
24th January 2024
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Listen to poem:

Who are you Dan McGrew? You sound quite mean If rumours' true You lodged yourself Inside his head Some seventy years Still, now you're dead A tale of love Of bars and booze The wheel of fate Alas, you lose The west was wild Back in the day As danger framed Each male afray But what of Lou? The lady fair Of unkissed lips And tousled hair A broken heart May never mend A scar unhealed Until the end So as our story Precious told Still held in head Though tired and old A life not lost No shooting here Just words uncovered Crystal clear By man with joy For life, 'tis true May soon reunite With his own lady Lou

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Bill Baker

Date: 2/3/2024 5:55:00 PM

A fine tribute to you dad and his lady Lou. It's amazing what old folks remember at the oddest times, Chistopher. I really enjoy the creative way you shared this memory through your poetry. Write Own! My Poetry Soup, friend. Have a pleasant weekend. Bill

Christopher Grieves
Date: 2/3/2024 11:01:00 PM

I was astonished he could recite it word for word 70 years on. Thanks Bill :)

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 1/24/2024 5:23:00 PM

a poignant and lovely tribute to your dad. I felt a bit teary eyed as I read your words. The emotions you describe was how my mother felt...all she wanted to do in her final days was be comfortable and see the love of her life again...Sending you and your family an e-hug and prayers, Sara

Christopher Grieves
Date: 1/24/2024 7:45:00 PM

Dear Sara, thank you. You are a beautiful, sensitive poetic soul. I do so appreciate your kind words x :))

Maddy Rogers

Date: 1/24/2024 11:51:00 AM

What a beautiful tribute to your Father. Thank you for posting and thinking of you at this time, I hope your father feels comfortable surrounded by his loving family.

Christopher Grieves
Date: 1/24/2024 12:15:00 PM

Bless you Maddy Rogers :))