The Badlands

The Badlands Can you see what they’re lookin’ at or Hear what they say? Maybe they’re stoppin’ to take time to pray. Could they know the ending is near? Fate may have brought them a measure of fear. We’ve followed them far and seen what they’ve done – And now we see them, here on the run. They don’t want to give up - It don’t seem likely they will. And the scene here around us Brings an ominous chill. They’ve rode these badlands Much longer than we - And they can observe things We never see. I can’t help but wonder what history will see, When this scene is painted by pure destiny. What if we hunted them as long as we did? Then, we became hunted by Butch and The Kid? Author’s Note: Based on the painting “Cowboys in the Badlands” By Thomas Eakins and entered in PSoup contest sponsored by Isaiah Zerbist 9/16/14
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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Cresswell Avatar
August 8, 2017 at 11:23 AM
I heard music as I read this piece. The theme from Gunsmoke. Well done.
Cee Avatar
April 13, 2015 at 6:30 AM
wohoo! amazing !! it's good to be back again after one year glad to check my new poem PYRAMID :)
Pinet Avatar
January 7, 2015 at 11:13 AM
The author uses good imagery and maintains a poetic flow through the whole piece. I enjoyed reading this poem, it rings true and real in a poetic way.
A   Avatar
December 26, 2014 at 8:34 PM
John, wow, I love cowboy poems, and mostly Ballads... I read up much on The Kid, and Butch, plus others... I love this, Hope your Christmas was a blessed one. Linda
Gulley Avatar
October 23, 2014 at 11:00 PM
Awesome write Jim, I enjoyed reading this so very much, a work of art...Sharon G.
Gibson Avatar
October 22, 2014 at 1:22 PM
Congratulations, John; well done.
Mehta Avatar
October 22, 2014 at 11:43 AM
I ,love the rhyming in the poem, congrats on the win
Gorelick Avatar
October 22, 2014 at 10:45 AM
Good work JOhn, glad to see your work getting a big win. BG
Allison Avatar
October 22, 2014 at 6:15 AM
you painted a great picture here - many congrats on your win:-) Hugs Jan xx
Meier-Hans Avatar
October 21, 2014 at 11:10 PM
Congratulations on your win John. You have great rhyme here in this well done poem.
Scott Avatar
October 7, 2014 at 1:00 PM
LOVE THE SUBJECT MATTER THE VERSE AND COMPOSISON WELL SAID AND WRITTEN THANKYOU FOR YOUR COMENTS ON MINE I WANDER THAT WRITE WAS ACTUALLY A PART TWO TO I WONDER WHICH IS SOMEWHERE ON HERE DAVIDSCOTT
Richards Avatar
September 29, 2014 at 7:42 PM
Even before I read the last line, Butch Cassidy and the Kid came to mind......you painted this amazing picture so well !! Great job!
Posey Avatar
September 30, 2014 at 12:25 PM
Thanks, Darlin'. I love your visits.... Jake
Carney Avatar
September 25, 2014 at 3:36 PM
Jake Congrats on a well written rhymed piece. To me, the format makes it a challenge. When I think of rhymes I juxtapose it with uniformity, probably inappropriately. I have never used this format before so that's the reason for my angst....lol Hey, praying doesn't hurt anyone, even in the Badlands. Good effort Jake. Thomas
Carney Avatar
November 11, 2014 at 10:51 AM
Jake I stopped by to see if you have any new poems. I have been awol as well. I hope you are well and look forward to next poem(s). Thomas
Posey Avatar
September 26, 2014 at 4:13 PM
Thank you, my friend. This one came easy once I found the starting point.... I'll be reading more of your posts later... Jake
Onclaud Avatar
September 18, 2014 at 12:27 PM
one awesome adventure spiced with your images, john... very interesting.. huggs
Posey Avatar
September 18, 2014 at 12:36 PM
nette, You are generous with your praise ..... I appreciate your visits and comments on my work. You always leave my heart smiling..... Love ya...... Jake
Mehta Avatar
September 16, 2014 at 9:59 AM
Enjoyed the write on the adventure and culture of the cowboys, John
Posey Avatar
September 16, 2014 at 11:06 PM
Much obliged, Doctor. This was a fun one that I chose to enter. I've never attempted this before..... I'm still troubled about it.... Jake
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