Desperado

A lone desperado rode his lathered cayuse to old Santa Fe.
It was high noon, sweltering hot and dusty on that fateful day.
The handsome young outlaw wore deadly forty-fours on each hip,
And there were multiple notches etched on each pistol grip!

He dismounted and brushed men aside as he strode to the saloon.
By the look on his face, someone faced doom that sultry afternoon!
He ordered up a bottle of whiskey to wet his sun-parched throat,
Downed a couple of shots and gazed around taking note!

For days he had ridden to find his roving sweetheart LeNore.
Now, he spotted her with a cowpoke in a dark corner near the door.
Their eyes locked briefly and she quickly turned away.
Knowing what was to happen, she sensibly got out of the way!

The enraged desperado fingered his forty-fours and lit a big cigar,
Roaring, "You stole my woman and you know damn well who you are!"
Men scattered, chairs toppled and the two men fired their rod!
When the billowing smoke had settled, one had met his God!

Alas, the lifeless young outlaw lay sprawled upon the barroom floor!
Clutching him to her breast with tearful supplications, knelt LeNore.
They buried him in a lonely grave atop a knoll in Old Boot Hill!
Lenore placed petunias upon his grave, declaring her true love still!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

Copyright © | Year Posted 2012



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Date: 5/2/2012 11:03:00 PM
Petunias? .... as alas that poor outlaw had no voice....but I'll reckon then the smile was well of worth the choice...?
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Date: 4/29/2012 7:33:00 PM
This is like a story poem from the old west. I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for sharing. Lucilla
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Date: 4/29/2012 3:39:00 PM
Bob H., a very sad ending.. some men can't step down on his own ego. thank you for the story.. a very fine write..pd
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Date: 4/29/2012 8:48:00 AM
Whatever made you put "petunias" on his grave Bob? :) You never fail to deliver a great story and I always enjoy them; keep coming back for more and hope you never run out.
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Date: 4/28/2012 5:29:00 PM
What a great story behind this poem. This reminds me of some of the cowboy songs I heard out West at a ranch. You always deliver the goods, Bob. Bravo! Love, Carolyn
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Date: 4/28/2012 12:38:00 PM
Bob, I just love reading your work, not only enjoyable but I feel I now know more about some states than I ever did, keep up the good work, have a great weekend..Dave
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Date: 4/28/2012 12:32:00 PM
Nice one Robert, like it! xoxo - Laila
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Date: 4/28/2012 7:27:00 AM
i don't know how you come up with your wonderful tales (and in rhyme, no less!), but i hope you never stop. i love reading them!
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Date: 4/27/2012 10:05:00 PM
You are so amazing Bob!! How do you do it!! I especially love these! yipee yi yipee ya...lol " I ride an ole paint, I lead an' ole dan..." Are any of these in your book/s and where can I find one? and this is another fav btw...lol big hugs,love~deb
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