They Is A-Hangin' Me Tonight - Final Sequel

Well, me and them rats polished off them chicken legs and I headed fer the door.
The sheriff handed me my 44s sayin, "Son, I don't wanna see you here no more!
Now git outta Santa Fe and don't go stealin' no man's horse or his saddle!"
With that we shook hands, I grabbed my hat and made a hasty skedaddle!

I hopped the midnight freight headin' fer El Paso whar that preacher man was at.
I was gonna git religion and straighten up and that's all thar was to that!
He was preachin' hell and brimstone at a revival meetin' at the edge of town.
With my hat I brushed the dust from my britches, strolled in and set down.

He was up thar a-wavin' his arms like he was fendin' off a swarm of bees!
When they sung "Jes As I Am" I ran to the altar and fell upon my knees!
I give my soul to the Lord and vowed right thar to become a preacher man,
To save the souls of thieves, soiled doves and gamblers to carry out His plan!

I ain't gonna git rich a-preachin - collections is sparse, but what the hell!
(Er 'scuse me Lord!  I've gotta control my cussin' as Ya can tell!")
I got me a hoss legal like and a Bible and started out on my mission.
I was hell bent (scuse me agin Lord) to bring about the devil's disposition!

(He preached in saloons with his 44s and Bible spread out on the bar.
He did his level best to save their wicked souls from sin and hellfar.
For fifty years he preached and saved souls throughout the rowdy west.
When he reached the Pearly Gates, He said, "Son, ya did yer very best!")

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

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

Horsman Avatar
February 28, 2012 at 8:25 AM
excellent Bob, so much good came out of evil. like the moral here. harry
Horne Avatar
February 27, 2012 at 12:54 PM
Lovely write, Bob. I think I've read these in the wrong order - enjoyed anyway : )
Merryman Avatar
February 26, 2012 at 2:16 PM
I jumped the gun with my comment on sequel 1, but I still think it's an excellent story. Love, Kim
Onclaud Avatar
February 26, 2012 at 10:00 AM
what a suspenseful ride, bob.. greeat story teller you are!.. i like!..:) huggs
Susan Avatar
February 25, 2012 at 5:24 PM
so he didn't get hanged after all - i wasn't expecting that. good story from beginning to end - love it :)
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