Notes About The Poem

Another tale of a girl raised in a good home but went bad anyway.

Pearl Hart

Pearl Hart was Canadian Born,
And she put her poor parents to test.
She met and fell for a ne'er-do-well gambler,
Who eventually took her out west.

Inspired and enamored by the strong women there,
And the heroes and Wild West legends,
She mustered the courage to leave her man,
Took a train and Colorado befriended.

She gave birth to a son who she gave to her mother,
And left Arizona bound,
Where she became un-enamored with the wild West,
Where hard times was all that she found.

Her husband finally caught up with her,
And begged her to come back to him.
She returned to him, learned to drink and to smoke,
He beat her and left her again.

Pregnant again she gave birth to a girl,
Left this one with her mom too;
But a woman alone found it a hard go,
And she found her a man named Joe Boot.

Joe taught her to rob and to steal for her gain,
They started with people, then stages and trains.
She enjoyed her part as a lady bandit,
And as her legend grew she found fame.

It remains unknown what became of Pearl.
Some say she died here or there.
Some say she married an Arizona rancher,
And lived a quiet life out there.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Lamoureux Avatar
March 21, 2021 at 10:51 PM
I hope she lived the quiet life. Quite the tale. Hugs Rick.
Y. Avatar
March 21, 2021 at 3:53 PM
WoW! Judy, I am enjoying your writes about “ women” who left their marks in history. I must say that I never heard of “ Pearl Hart” before. Thanks for bringing her to my attention. I enjoyed the read:-) Alexis
Ball Avatar
March 21, 2021 at 3:55 PM
Thanks bunches Alexis. Glad you like it. God Bless, JB
Devonshire Avatar
March 21, 2021 at 1:40 PM
Though I hadn't heard of Pearl previously, you certainly brought her to life! It sounds like she had a hard, but exciting, life. She's right up there with Belle Starr and Annie Oakley. Really enjoyed this poem, Judy! Thanks for introducing Pearl Hart to us. Hugs, Carolyn
Ball Avatar
March 21, 2021 at 2:41 PM
An old but sad song of a good girl gone bad because of the company she kept. Thanks bunches Carolyn. God Bless, JB
Leffanta Avatar
March 21, 2021 at 11:21 AM
Some live to have a ball, but the party always ends....Aloha! Rico
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace