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Open Poetry #37
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Twenty More Miles to Laredo
| Open Poetry #37 |
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Twenty More Miles to Laredo |
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Gunslinger Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 901TX, USA 
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"Twenty more miles to Laredo I've time for a drink and a meal." His hand touched his hip, where they fell on a gun It's grip made of walnut and steel. The Ensenal Marshall behind him- For being too quick with the gun... The dead man drew first, but McComas was fast And the corpse was a rich rancher's son. The afternoon crowd in the Bon Ton was sparse McComas walked up to the bar.. Weary and dusty, he needed a shave... You could see he had ridden too far. A girl quickly moved up beside him... She smiled and said, "I am in love Buy me a drink, and see what you think; By the way my name's Billie Dove". He tarried too long at the table- Whiskey fumes rolled back the years, He was a reckless, young cowboy again- And she hadn't shed all those tears. He said, " I am taking you with me". She said, " I am ready to go... We'll start life afresh, and raise lots of kids Somewhere down in old Mexico". McComas walked out through the batwings His walk didn't take him too far. There at the hitch rack beside of his horse A tall man was wearing a star. He had the edge and he knew it- And knew he should go for his gun But murder was not in his nature... He spoke and the damage was done. "Over here, Anse", he was drawing- The Marshall, as fast as they come. Both forty- four's spoke. and sent lead and smoke He whispered, "Oh, God! That was dumb"! The Marshall lay there in roadway- It was plain he was breathing his last, McComas was bleeding, a wound in his chest, His strength was a fading real fast. "Here"! He heard the voice whisper- Startled he managed to whirl... There in the alley, holding his horse- Was Billie, the young dance hall girl. It's up in the saddle, he's riding.. And feeling the wind in his face ... It's funny his body is lying There where the gunfight took place. Billie is kneeling beside him- The man she'd decided to love What's that she's doing? She's picked up his gun And turning it..."Heaven above"!!! The pistol is placed to her temple The trigger is pulled and she dies To fall on her man, as people come running To look on in total surprise. I've seen them at night by the river, Walking alone in the trees... I hear Billie's silvery laughter.. Carried to me on the breeze. They're planning on raising a family They're looking at long years to love The gunman once know as McComas And his poor, little, soiled Billie Dove. |
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| © Copyright 2006 John R. Yaws - All Rights Reserved | |||
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fmlbarebackrider2001 Member
since 2005-11-16
Posts 138West Texas, United States |
What a moving poem. Great way to take us back to a different time and place and show us that some love is really worth giving everything. -Cory Know yourself before you try to know someone else. |
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Kevo Member
since 2004-06-02
Posts 466Navarro County, Texas, USA |
Reads like the greatest of Westerns! A blast from the past! Classic love story told with great style. I was priveleged to read it. Thanks. Kevin |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Well Tex...ya ain't changed in years...still got the knack for bringing a story into our minds....hope you're doing well old friend... |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Hi cowboy! Didn't see ya ride in... Well done once again John. You are a great storyteller. Hugs~Nancy ~ Trace my body with your words, |
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JL Member Ascendant
since 2004-04-01
Posts 6128Texas, USA |
Great story!! Enjoyed the ride. JL  |
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XOx Uriah xOX Senior Member
since 2006-02-11
Posts 1403Virginia |
::smiles:: Reminded me of one of the tales in Badlands with Bruce Dern. Great job ! |
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scorpio Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178right...there |
I enjoyed this old west saga. Well done John!! believe in what your heart feels... |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
I enjoyed your story very much, Gunslinger, though it was so sad - almost a wild west version of Romeo and Juliet! I particularly loved the ghostly ending. - Owl |
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