Butch And The Kid

     This is my take on Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, I’m sure I’ve posted it before, but I’m not exactly sure, so like it or not,(though I really hope you do) here it is. We were talking today about the movie and how great we all thought it was. Throwing out lines like…”use enough dynamite there Butch” and “rules, there ain’t no rules in a knife fight.”  Well, you had to see the movie..Anyway here it is in rhyme.

     I hope you will find it to your liking,

Jake.

BUTCH AND THE KID

 Now, they told everybody,

to just keep calm,

and they said they intended,

nobody no harm.

And if nobody,

goes and plays the fool,

all they’d take from them,

was their money and jewels.

 *

The bandanas, that they wore,

kept their faces well hid,

but, everyone knew

it was Butch and the Kid.

Now, the “Hole in the Wall”

was the name of the gang,

they had rode along side,

then, from their horses they’d sprang.

*

 Well, they forced the train,

to come to a stop.

They got behind the engineer,

from over the top.

A few members of the gang,

came through the cars.

But, the rest went directly

to the one with the bars.

*

 ‘Cause that’s where the real loot,

was sure to be stashed.

Thousands of dollars,

and all of it cash.

The payroll for the mine,

was soon to be theirs,

then, they’d make their getaway,

and then travel in pairs.

*

 The gang had decided,

when and where, they would meet.

 Then they’d split up the take,

and go, and hide from the heat.

Yeah, some would go back,

to the hole in the wall,

but not, Butch and Sundance,

on the ladies, they’d call.

*

 One lady in particular,

a special friend,

would stay close to the boys,

almost, right to the end.

But soon the adventure,

had taken its toll,

there were things that she needed,

not gotten by gold.

*

 Now, the legend goes,

they were both shot dead.

But, there are some that say,

they got away instead.

And returned to the States,

where they prospered a bit,

but, never known more,

as Butch and the Kid.

***

 Jack Downing

                                                                          Mar. 2011

Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author. JRD 5/30/12

Snuggles The Travelling Bear

     I would first like to thank all fo you who offered such meaningful comments on the Memorial Day series. As any blogger will tell you, comments are like pay for your time, effort and your work. Oh, and we all would like to get “paid” more, so please keep the comments coming. I do answer all of them, either by e-mail or through the blog’s comments section here at WordPress.

     Well we’ve had a very serious ten or so days, so let’s lighten it up a little today. The following story is true, for the most part. Names have not been changed to protect the innocent. Snuggles is my daughter’s teddy bear, he has been around for almost 30 years, that’s like 110 in teddy bear years, he is old and fragile, but he still has a special place up in our family tree. I once had to drive 20 miles round trip at 11:00 pm, because we forgot him at my sister’s house and heaven forbid she could go to sleep without him, which of course she did, before I returned with the little fur-ball. I was informed yesterday that he did not go on the honeymoon…(I seem to remember seeing him before the ceremony though.)

     Please enjoy,

Jake.

Snuggles The Travelling Bear

 Fluffy and soft

more tan than brown,

he travelled with us

everywhere.

No matter how long or short,

the trip it would happen to be,

we’d not move,

unless he was there.

He was the guest of honor

when bedtime approached,

as protection against

any scare.

But the years took their toll,

he developed some holes

all chocked up to just

wear and tear.

So, he was semi-retired

and enjoying the time,

content to still be

a pair.

Then that stranger came in

and threatened his place,

in her heart and her life,

so unfair.

But, not so easily dropped

he persisted on,

and still every night

he was there.

And when the honeymoon came

he went along for the ride,

’cause he is Snuggles,

the travelling bear.

***

 Jack Downing

May 2012

Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author. JRD 5/29/12

The Unknown Patriot

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     The final poem in the Memorial Day series is a salute to an unknown warrior in the pursuit of peace. On the tomb is the following inscription:

~HERE RESTS IN

HONORED GLORY

AN AMERICAN

SOLDIER

KNOWN BUT TO GOD~    

*****

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The Unknown Patriot

 No, we know not your name,

nor, from whence you came,

and we know not, the color of your skin.

No, we know not to whom you prayed,

nor, what your practiced trade,

and, we know not your next of kin.

No, we know not your final words,

nor, if that they were heard,

and, we know not your place or station.

But, this we know be true,

that America, remembers you,

as a hero, and a patriot, of our nation.

*****

 Jack Downing

                                                                       Sept. 2011

Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author. JRD 5/28/12

Arlington

     This is a new poem dedicated to those who have lived, served and died for the freedom of people everywhere, not just for those of us who live here in the U.S. Many nations owe their freedom to the men and women buried here, who fought against tyranny and oppression on every continent. Throughout our relatively short history they have gone where they were needed, did what they had to do, but not all came home the same as they went. Many of the “heroes” buried here at Arlington National Cemetary near Washington, D.C. died in battle, some died of complications from battle, while others are here because they earned the right to be here, because they were willing to go into battle should they be called upon.

     It is with honor and humility that I post this today. May God rest their souls, everyone.

     Tomorrow we celebrate a day of remembrance for those we love, and miss. It is also a day to be grateful to the ones who made it possible for us to have our cookouts and parades and parties, the servicemen and women who gave their all for our liberties. Tomorrow the final posting of the Memorial Day series is dedicated to the “Unknown Patriot.” With DNA testing now available, there may never be another, whose family is left to wonder…. 

Jake.

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Arlington

 Crosses and stars

perfectly rowed

on manicured fields

so patiently mowed.

***

 Red white and blue

in contrast to green

in every direction

in multitudes, seen.

***

 Yes, crosses and stars

of alabaster white

precisely so, placed

dressed left and dressed right.

***

 Markers to tell

the names and the ranks

of those who have passed

and to whom, we owe thanks.

***

 To those who have served

to keep us all free

they rest now in peace

with God now, they be.

*****

 Jack Downing

May 2012

 Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author. JRD 5/27/12

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The Fruit Of Freedom & Fallen Trees

      As Memorial Day is now upon us I realize that I have an extra poem. I am late in posting today..So no real introduction. Just a two for the price of one day.

     Please read and remember,

Jake.

The Fruit Of Freedom

Freedom tastes, the sweetest fruit,

but bitter, is it grown,

for blood, it is the water,

and the seed, is courage shown.

The sunlight is conviction,

and hardship, oft be known.

But to taste, the fruit of freedom,

many it’s planters, be laid prone.

***

Jack Downing

Jan. 2012

 Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author. JRD 5/26/12

Fallen Trees

Fallen comrades,

as fallen trees,

rest with Mother Earth.

Ancients felled,

or the freshly hewn,

have given all their worth.

*

Leaves departed,

limbs are gone,

but deep, their roots remain.

Lest we forget,

how tall they stood,

let us weep, at Taps refrain.

***

Jack Downing

Jan. 2012

 Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author. JRD 5/26/12

A Name Upon This Wall

     Vietnam, speaking of unpopular, was a travesty. The way the we, (the government) waged the war was a travesty, the way it was covered on the nightly news was a travesty, the way the public and the so-called celebrities supported the enemy was a travesty of monumental proportions, and the way the brave and devoted men and women who were sent there were treated, was the biggest travesty of all.

     Every soldier and sailor, marine and airman who went before them into batlle under the flag came home to a hero’s welcome. Not the Vietnam vets. No, they came home to hostility and degradation. It has taken decades for the citizens of this country to realize that they were, as were their forefathers, bound by honor and duty, to the principles of the United States. Even if those principles were not being practiced by those who sent them to fight ‘their’ dirty war.

     The Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. is but a humble tribute to those who gave, ‘the last full measure of devotion’  as was so eloquently expressed by President Abraham Lincoln in his Gettysburg Address. This poem is for those who are remembered on that marble wall..

     Thanks to them and to all who cared enough about this nation, to go into harm’s way so that the rest of us still have the right to ”free speech” among so many others.

Jake.

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A NAME UPON  THIS WALL

 Decades now have sailed,

upon the fleeting wings of time,

since you went away to war,

and heard your nation call.

But, the flight of time will diminish not,

your sacrifice for us all.

No, you are more than just,

a name upon this wall.

****

 You are a hero and a patriot,

and we, be debtors all.

For the gift you gave to us,

we see your name upon this wall.

But, we can’t witness the living soul,

the youth, now forever stalled,

represented here in polished stone,

by a name upon this wall.

****

 We may know you only, by these letters etched,

on to, this monument’s sprawl.

Still, there is a kinship felt,

with the names upon this wall.

To our true and loyal comrades,

who have borne the funeral pall,

a grateful nation remembers you,

by your name upon this wall.

****

 Jack Downing

  U.S. Navy, 1965-72

    God Bless Our Troops.

 Sept. 2011

Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author. JRD 5/25/12

From Lexington To Babylon

     While a lot of people here were not in favor of our involvement in Iraq, that in no way diminishes the courage, dedication and determination of our men and women in uniform. The same may be said of Afghanistan, Panama, Korea or Vietnam, but the fact remains that when they were called, they answered. As the Memorial Day series continues, this poem is especially noteworthy, as it tells the “battle history” of the United States of America. Freedom, as they say is not free, and sometimes, (more often than we would like) you have to fight to attain it and fight to keep it. The cost of liberty is measured in souls, and only God knows how many.

     Again, this is a reposting. Please read and ponder the sacrifices that have been made by so many that we may live in freedom.

     On a political note, please make your elected officials aware that we, as citizens, will not abide changes to the Constitution of this great nation, that began at Lexington, Massachusetts on April 19, 1775, for the sake of political or special interests. Please tell them to keep their hands off of the document and the principles that were formulated and enacted by great patriots who were dedicated more to this nation, than to their own personal agenda.

      May God Bless America,

Jake.

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FROM LEXINGTON TO BABYLON

 They, were there at Lexington,

and down the road, at Concord too.

They were there, at Yorktown,

with the battle finally through.

~~~

 They were there, at Fort McHenry,

where, the spangled banner flew.

And again at New Orleans,

as part of Jackson’s crew.

~~~

 They were there, at Vera Cruz,

with Taylor, and with pride

and Texas is a state today,

because, they would not be denied.

~~~

 They, were there at Gettysburg,

lining both the sides,

falling, in great numbers,

where some say, they still reside.

~~~

 They were there, at San Juan Hill,

dying with every stride,

volunteering, all they had,

themselves, they had supplied.

~~~

 Then came the war, to end all wars,

and again, they heard the call.

When in the trenches, with the gas,

they gave once more, their all.

~~~

 Then for a score, they rested,

for their greatest moment yet.

That Sunday in December,

impossible, to forget.

~~~

 They heard the bugle’s call, again,

in every corner of the land.

The nation, undivided,

united, they would stand.

~~~

 They were there, at Normandy,

at Anzio and the Rhine.

Heeding freedom’s beckon,

still yet, another time.

~~~

 They, were there at Iwo Jima,

Bataan, and Corregidor,

at Guadalcanal and Midway,

many lost, forever more.

~~~

 They were there, at Chosin reservoir,

and, they were there at In’Chon too.

With McArthur wanting, to go on,

but, Truman said, ‘you’re through’.

~~~

 They were there, at Khe Sanh,

they were there, in old Saigon,

with choppers, flying off the roof,

still, the brave fought on.

~~~

 And still, they’re here with us today,

as they were in Panama.

Now, in Afghanistan and Babylon,

they follow, their own star.

~~~

 Yes, they have always answered,

when freedom, made demands.

Their hearts and minds, would follow,

our gratitude, that must command.

~~~

 On their guard for America,

so, freedom would not fall,

and, though they cannot witness,

I salute them, one and all.

~~~~~~

 Jack Downing

 July 2009

Copyright© Jack Downing, aka Jake @poemsandponderings.wordpress.com. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reprinted or disseminated in any manner without the expressed written consent of the author. JRD 5/24/12