The Battle At Beaver Creek

The Hunters sallied forth... their hearts aglow
    with a fearlessness displayed.
A pugnacious merry band of brothers
    who to a boy were not afraid.
To find the foe they hoped to vanquish...
    and send it to its grave.

Tommy Slides had been to Beaver Creek...
    and his soul was made to quake.
He had seen the Beast as clear as day
    that startled him awake.
The creature made his blood run cold...
    it was the world's biggest snake.

Tommy ran to tell his friend
    of a Beast lurking in the creek.
He told the tale of his brush with death
    that would cause lesser boys to shriek.
But even with his strength and courage...
    the skirmish had left him frail and weak.

The creek had long been hallowed ground
    where they passed their summer days
But the monstrous Snake would not profit
    and take that all away.
They would as Knights defend the creek
    and attack without delay.
    
A plan was hatched to meet this terror
    with little time to waste.
A call went out to all their friends
    to gather for the chase.
And at the creek... secure the threat
    and dispatch the Beast with haste.

There was 'Birdman' Haines and 'High Noon' Flack
    and 'Sweet Moves' Tommy Slide.
As well as 'Tiny Butt' James and "Pitchin' Jack
    and 'Oilcan' Stevey Fried.
Hands were raised and an oath was taken
    to kill the Beast or give their lives.

They gathered what arms they could
    and set out for the creek.
All hoping surprise would win the day
    against the snake they hoped to beat.
So with a myriad of bats and clubs...
    they walked quietly... all too keen to speak.

A raft was built with battered wood
    and launched beneath the sun.
They scoured the creek for the dreaded Snake
    and the sure victory to be won.
Where they would bask in glory
    once the gristly deed was done.

'Oilcan' was first to spot the Snake
    and pointed an outstretched arm.
The others turned and raised their clubs
    to respond to his alarm.
They struck the Snake with all their might
    to save themselves from harm.

The battle was fraught with peril
    as 'Birdman' was tossed about.
The snake refused to yield 
    amd retreat seemed the safer route.
But the boys forged on against the odds
    with the outcome much in doubt.

With 'Birdman' down and 'High Noon' stressed...
    others stepped to fill the breach.
As the Snake darted angrily about
    at any boy within its reach.
And all they heard from its gaping jaws
    was a high gut wrenching screech.

They attacked the foul Beast 
    with a momentary sense of dread.
When 'Sweet Moves' delivered the final blow...
    crushing the creature's fiendish head.
And the fight was over and all were safe
    for the loathsome Snake was dead.

They left the creek and traveled home...
    exhausted from the fight.
But in their hearts... their spirits soared
    in the haze of the evening light.
And more importantly to those who care...
    they suffered not a single bite.

Now legends grow in the minds of men
    and to the facts they may dispose.
But the story swelled each passing year
    and to its truth... one can only know.
When a lusty group of brave adventurers
    brought to a vile end... a ten foot garden hose.

                           The End
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
April 19, 2020 at 10:40 PM
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ! Poem of the Year. An all-time, all-time fave for me!! THANKS! Cheers, Gershon
Mchattie Avatar
April 20, 2020 at 8:06 PM
I like a little twist at the end... my own version of the cracker jack prize. Stay frosty my friend.
Hinshaw Avatar
April 18, 2020 at 8:17 PM
A fascinating write, David - kept me rapt to the end with its surprise ending! My kind of poetry. Also enjoyed your cartoon. You are certainly a gifted poet and cartoonist and best to you as you continue your poetical journey. Glad you enjoyed another of hapless Cletus O'Toole's escapades - stay safe - Bob H
Mchattie Avatar
April 20, 2020 at 8:05 PM
I look forward to more of Cletus's adventures. Thank you for the kind words and have a great day my friend.
Lamoureux Avatar
April 18, 2020 at 8:54 AM
A delightfully intriguing piece. I love the names you chose for them. I also enjoyed your new comic strip. ;0)
Mchattie Avatar
April 18, 2020 at 6:14 PM
Thanks Richard. If you're really bored one day... I have about 200 cartoons posted on Comic Sherpa. Stay well my friend.
Messina Avatar
April 18, 2020 at 8:14 AM
Great stuff, David. I really enjoyed this poem. Awesome! Stay safe and well my friend.. All the very best... Charlie
Mchattie Avatar
April 18, 2020 at 6:13 PM
Thanks Charlie. Stay safe my friend.
Rose  Avatar
April 17, 2020 at 10:12 PM
Always a pleasure to read your poetry, xo
Mchattie Avatar
April 18, 2020 at 6:11 PM
Thanks Pixie. Have a great day and stay safe.
Laurie Avatar
April 17, 2020 at 8:39 PM
G'day David … a wonderful ballad indeed. Boys filled with adventurous longing yearn for your poem's desire - thanks David - Lindsay
Mchattie Avatar
April 18, 2020 at 6:11 PM
I've always been fascinated on the way children view the world. Ah. Those were simpler times indeed. Have a good one and stay safe.
Agustin Avatar
April 17, 2020 at 4:51 AM
Wow! Thanks for sharing your talent. God bless you.
Mchattie Avatar
April 18, 2020 at 6:09 PM
Thank you for the kind words. Have a great day.
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