I used to run the girls on Harpers.
Owned the stroll for a mile both ways.
Nobody lit a match 'less I said "smoke."
Every mother's child knew my name.
Wild as a deacon's daughter.
Ill-tempered as a stepped on snake.
Mama prayed for me on Sundays,
prayed that I'd get saved.
Well, there ain't no temptation on this chain gang.
Right now, I'm livin' right.
And, I ain't gonna sin no more
till I'm on the other side.
I shot a man in Reno*
he didn't have the grace to die.
Take my advice, you gotta shoot 'em twice
so they can't testify.
And, there ain't no temptation on this chain gang.
Right now, I'm living right.
No, I ain't gonna sin no more
till I get outside.
*Johnny Cash, of course.
15 comments:
A cool write, MZ.
:)
Oh, yes! Cool as always, MZ!
Sylvia
When I hear that whistle blowin', I hang my head and cry.
Remember that classic line: "If I'd a killed him when I met him I'd be out of jail by now." This is a wise one, MZ-we all assume a temporary virtue when circumstances force us to abandon our vices.
Sunday Evening coming down....
Ha. I love Johnny Cash. Great new take.
Don't really care for Johnny Cash, but I can make an exception this time, this was pure genius in tempo.
I was singing along to these lines, most definitely! What a lot of fun this poem is.
(I was born and raised in Reno. At our high school all night party we requested that song by the poor band overandoverandover, until the lead finally begged us to "Just f___ing pass out!")
Sassy!
I've gotta tell ya, I love the Man in Black. Good write. I could feel the spirit.
I can hear this one with a cool guitar.
"Take my advice, you gotta shoot 'em twice
so they can't testify."
Ha ha ha! Hilarious. :) Excellent advice, of course.
John would be proud.
Oh very cool piece. Love me some Johnny Cash, the idea at the end there is such a neat one too. I beat that, until is often used by many. Great write. Thanks
"shoot 'em twice"
HA! sound advice, my dear!
♥
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