For those of you unfamiliar with Joe's work, the Anonymous Poet Laureate Joe!!! is a writer who occasionally sends me poetry to share with you all. I have failed him. Shame on me. Posting a few works of his today that I have been selfishly keeping for myself. Sorry, Joe!!!.
NO RESPECT FOR THE LAW
Lost my respect for the law at an early age.
My innocent father being hung had me in a rage.
I'd learn to handle a gun and join a gang.
Knowing I'd be guilty if they caught me to hang.
I practiced hours a day and got good with a gun.
Went to join the outlaws, my life of crime had begun.
Met up with the Jennings gang in Cedarville.
I asked to join as my respect for the law was nil.
The leader liked my attitude and said I could ride.
And they would be glad to have me on their side.
He said in a week they had a job in the make.
And added that my first would be a piece of cake.
We'd rob the silver city bank and be on our way.
The plans were made and each had a role to play
I was to hold a gun while they raided the vault.
My mind was made, if we erred it wouldn't be my fault.
We went in and started without a hitch.
I was elated with the idea that I'd be rich.
I kept my gun aimed and was on my toes.
Saw a teller go for a gun but I had froze.
He wounded one of our gang and I shot the floor
Our leader shot the teller and they ran for the door.
And there I stood frozen in my tracks.
As the rest rode out carrying the money sacks.
In came the Sheriff and grabbed my gun.
And asked why I had not made a run.
I was handcuffed and then taken to jail.
If I hadn't frozen, I'd been out on the trail.
They offered me a lesser term to rat on the gang.
Or I'd be tried for murder and sure to hang.
I refused to talk and save a little pride.
Knowing that I had little hope on my side.
I did nothing to defend myself at the trial.
And knew how it would turn out all the while.
I was innocent of murder just like my Paw.
And went to my grave with no respect for the law.
