The Unwilling Participant

NaPoMo Entry 5 04/05/2024

I stand alone, I guess it’s for the best really,

I guess you can say I am outstanding in my field.

The last spot we saw six-gun Willy,

Though, no true power do I yield.

 

Some men brought him around,

Under my branches and sealed his fate.

Rope around his neck gagged and bound.

I wanted to protest but couldn’t debate.

 

They spooked his horse, it was over in a minute,

Dancing on air the final disgrace.

A dark situation, I didn’t want to be in it,

But still haven’t moved from this wretched place.

 

I wasn’t the one who held a grudge,

But stealing horses is a crime.

Death sentence without jury or judge,

A Tragedy that has been lost to time.

 

Silently Willy died supported by my limbs,

My recollection of it is quite pinching.

No words from the good book or solemn hymns,

I, too, a victim of this lynching.

 

I have lived with this memory,

Forever locked inside of me.

Never will me spirit ever be free,

Me, the lonely cottonwood tree.

 

04/05/2024

Author's Note

This poem began taking shape in my head 03/21/2024 on a drive to Dodge City Ks. I finally put it to paper today.