~~~~~

It was a long search for the truth.

He spoke from the window with a smile:
"We've had a failure in communication here,"
Just before the bullet severed the only leash
Holding him fast to this world.

But he was not entirely correct, even then.
It did not matter that he was no longer of this world:
He was still a hero and an icon.

"Ain't no grave gonna hold my body down,"
Goes his song.
"I dig my grave,
Fill it back in,
Tamp it down,
Then I dig my grave once more,
Until the circle is complete.

Where do I go from here?
Where does it end?
When does it stop?
I guess I'll just have to find my own way.

I start out pretty strong and fast, but it's beginning to get to me.
I've done enough earth shakin' for awhile.
And it served a purpose, too,
Because I need to have a hero-

Let My epitaph read:

'I AM THE HERO'

Now I figure you two can handle it from here on in, but don't look back."  
~~~~~
Poem based on the 1967 movie 'Cool Hand Luke', written by Don Pearce (also novel), and directed by Stuart Rosenberg